• Geelong
  • Newcomb
  • Torquay
  • Ocean Grove
(03) 5248 3444

The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of Richard.

Click here to leave your own message.

7 1

Messages Placed

Giselle B on 30 December, 2023 at 9:28pm

So many memories of Ritchie are flooding back. Forgive me, I’ll never find the words to do them justice. Although an ocean separated us for many years he remains one of the most important people I ever crossed paths with. His quiet confidence, humour and sharp wit were super powers. Endless nights watching films, listening to music, talking until dawn. I still listen for John Bonham’s squeaky kick drum pedal when I hear Led Zeppelin. I remember how Ritchie’s eyes would light up when he sat behind the drums and played. Every time I scramble to find a bookmark I think of Ritchie never needing one, memorizing page numbers without fail. Spontaneous road-trips to distant cities to catch an art show for a night. The time Ritchie had car trouble and effortlessly cycled over 2 hours to see me, leather jacket and all. We watched Bladerunner so many times I lost count. Memories of Shaman as a teeny ball of fur, growing into a beautiful soul that bonded so deeply with Ritchie. I always believed we would catch up someday and share all the missed moments. My heart breaks for lost time. How fortunate to have known and loved him xoxo

Maryla Johns on 24 December, 2023 at 6:02am

To my gorgeous friend Rach and her lovely family. I loved seeing your face light up when you talked about your brother. Such a special kind of love and bond you will always have. Lots of love to you at such a sad time x

Simone L on 22 December, 2023 at 4:53pm

Nothing was more heart-warming than watching Ritchie greet Shaman whenever he got home.
Or listening him talk and do show & tell for Rachel, Elsie or Charlie's most recent piece of art.
He was so proud of them!

URSULA Collie Medew on 22 December, 2023 at 11:46am

I never met Richie,but after watching the live stream of his funeral,I wish I had. I’ve been hearing lots of stories of Richie from my husband Mick Medew,and I send my love to all his former band mates and sincere condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Richie and may the force be with you.

Matt Stevens on 22 December, 2023 at 9:25am

Sharing a vivid memory I have of my cousin Richard.

The summer of 1982, in South Australia, was the backdrop to an unforgettable long weekend shared with Richard. Nestled in Yunta, 350kms north of Adelaide, we, along with our group of four boys aged 10 to 15, had the freedom to explore the vast expanses of local sheep stations. Under the warm Australian sun, armed with dirt bikes, guns and a VW beach buggy, our adventure began.

Richard with his natural ease, embraced the dirt bike, easily keeping pace with us more ‘experienced’ riders. We discovered herds of kangaroos, chased mobs of emus and took the beach buggy to a favoured dry dam. With enough speed, the banks made perfect ramps to ‘catch some air’.

We trapped rabbits and engaged in target practice, our accuracy ensured the local fauna were safe. It was an awesome adventure that I hope Richard kept with him throughout his life, we were the ‘Wild Boys’ and would like to thank my father for his interpretation of supervision.

Rest in peace.

Mick Medew Medew on 21 December, 2023 at 7:35pm

Ritchie was one of the most powerful drummers I have played with or watched live . He was a lot of fun to be with and we did have a lot of fun all down the east coast of Australia and throughout Europe as well . Thank you for all the good times Ritchie ❤️

Mick Medew on 21 December, 2023 at 7:26pm

It was lovely to know Ritchie, sorry to all family and friends

Andi (Damian Child) on 21 December, 2023 at 3:27pm

Ritchie, I am so shocked and saddened to hear you are no longer on this earth. I will always remember hungover Sundays watching videos, the smell of your hair when giving you a hug at hard 'n fast, your kindness, your awesome drumming, and your angelic smile. You were the rockingest of dudes and always in my heart. I tried to find you in the last few years but I couldn't. I didn't know I would run out of time to see you again. So sad. Condolences to all that knew and loved you.

Greg Delves on 21 December, 2023 at 10:40am

The first time I met Richie was at the Lorne Hotel when he was playing with his local band at the time. I was blown away by the effortless beauty and the restrained power of his drumming. Richie had a way of connecting with people through his playing and I knew then we destined to play together. I will always remember his warm and mischievous smile and quiet unassuming character. We shared many adventures together and I will miss those carefree years and the love of music with all the creative enthusiasm we had for our band at that time. Rest in peace Ritchie.

chantal Preston (Hayler) on 20 December, 2023 at 8:43pm

I worked with Ritchie at Pacific Brands in Altona and then in Brooklyn!
Ritchie taught me a lot in the years at Brooklyn! He was so smart with his job as the afternoon shift supervisor! He always spoke so softly and was a genuine bloke, would never hurt anyone!
I’m so sad to hear of Ritchies passing.
May you RIP Ritchie
Your work mate
Chantal

Ingrid Duits on 20 December, 2023 at 7:17pm

A long time ago, 1986, he stole my heart. Precious memories, happy times and warm feelings. We met again in Holland when he was touring with The Screaming Tribesmen. If we had internet back than the correspondance might have been easier. Life happened and we moved on .I'm very glad we got in touch again a few years ago. He never complained, was as kind and sweet as ever. Sorry we never got to meet again. Lots of strenght and love to his loved ones. xxx❤

Noah Grosz on 20 December, 2023 at 6:48pm

I first met the kind-hearted Ritchie in the frosty Melbourne winter of 1987. I was 17, he was 20. Ritchie made a lasting and deep impression on me. I was a young punk, barely able to play guitar, aspiring to his regal air of mystery, rocknroll skills, and general coolness.
Years later in 1995 we were both members of the notorious Art Rock band, Hazchem. We shared a love of music, similar thoughtful personalities, and complimented each other sonically. We pushed each other to create a driving powerful sound for the band. I have a clear image in my mind of being on stage at a gig in Prahran, with Ritchie igniting our set, clashing on symbols doused in lighter fluid, his flames and brooding passion driving the band to give it our all.
Sadly, Ritchie disappeared from my life after Hazchem disbanded. And though I tried many times to find him, often with ideas for new musical projects, he remained elusive. At long last, in just the last few weeks we were reunited, thanks to Rachel.
It was a real joy to reconnect with such a dear and long-lost friend, to talk, philosophise, and share memories. And I feel very lucky to have spent some time in the presence of the wonderful, mysterious and forever cool, Ritchie Hine.
Farewell old friend. May you rock again in the great beyond.
Noah Grosz

Anne McCue on 20 December, 2023 at 5:17pm

Really one of the sweetest people I have ever met in the music business. A quiet and gentle guy and handsome! Great drummer to play with. Sherry said it all! Sorry we lost contact. Xoxo

Sherry Rich on 20 December, 2023 at 5:06pm

I remember Ritchie as a kind, soft spoken very handsome stylish rock n roll dude and an awesome drummer. We were lucky to have Ritchie’s steady beats in Girl Monstar in 1988 … he always knew we were looking for a chick drummer to complete our all girl band and he gracefully moved over when Sue World came along. Ritchie also took a lot of razzing and bitchy bossy girl diva nonsense from us but always with a good natured chuckle. Never had to ask him to shut up and stop playing between songs in our weekly rehearsal in a little room in Prahran. He was very respectful and we had a lot of fun musically and otherwise. I’m sorry I didn’t see you again after that era Ritchie… now you are pure light blazing down the rock n roll highway - xxx

Rory McCallum on 20 December, 2023 at 3:26pm

Fond memories of Ritchie in our days playing in The Einstones. He was very talented Drummer and a kind gentle soul. Condolences to Rachel and all the family.

Rory

Deborah Gann on 20 December, 2023 at 2:23pm

I will always remember Ritchie as a lovely handsome man with a gentle soul who rocked out massively on the drums. Sending love, light and condolences to Ritchie's family and friends for this sad loss. RIP

Peter Ross on 20 December, 2023 at 9:09am

Ritchie, I'll always fondly remember the years we spent on the highways and by-ways of Australia. You were always fun, dynamic and a great drummer. We'll miss your sweet and gentle nature. Rest well mate.

Rossy

Scroll to top

Symbols of Love

Lay flowers, light a candle or
place a symbol of love.

Condolence Messages

Leave a written, audio, photo or
video message of condolence.

Memory Timeline

Contribute your photos and
memories to the timeline.