Richard Float

We have learned, with great sadness, of the death of Richard Float, who worked in the Estates Division for more than thirty years, as Assistant Bursar and then Bursar. Richard passed away on 7 October 2024, aged 91.

Richard was born on 15 January 1933 in Kenton, North West London. He studied History and Politics at Keele University before doing his mandatory national service at Supreme HQ Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) near Versailles. His first job was at Birmingham University, from where he came to Leicester in 1961 to work as Assistant Bursar.

Richard was married to Margaret, whom he had met while at Keele. When he came to Leicester, his daughter Sue was aged one. Another daughter, Marilyn, followed soon after.

Richard Float with the Princess of Wales and Lord Attenborough at the opening of the Attenborough Arts Centre.

A colleague from the time remembers Richard’s early days in Leicester: “Shortly after arriving in Oadby, an electric storm struck the Float house in Half Moon Crescent and took out the electrics on a Sunday. Richard had a desperate time phoning round trying to find an electrician. All the responders assured him they could be there first thing on Monday, which was no help of course. Eventually he found a contact in Countesthorpe prepared to come out. Needless to say ‘Hoppy’, as he became known, did a great deal of work for the University thereafter and for staff members who needed work done at home.”

Richard is mentioned in Brian Burch’s official history of the University, wherein it is noted, re. the newly created role of Bursar, that “Freddie Sutton, his Deputy (and successor) Richard Float, and their staff were to play a crucial part in the University’s development over the next two decades.” This was very true because the period from the early 1960s to the mid-1990s, was one of huge expansion, with student numbers quadrupling from approximately 1,900 in 1962 to more than 8,000 by the time Richard retired in August 1994. During this time, he was involved with the construction of the Charles Wilson Building, the Attenborough Tower and Seminar Block, and the Maurice Shock Medical Sciences Building, among other projects.

Richard Float at his retirement presentation, with the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Ken Edwards.

Away from work, Richard’s passion was athletics, particularly sprinting. He was a founder member of Leicester Coritanian Athletic Club where he served in many capacities between 1969 and 1982. In the 1980s, he was heavily involved in negotiations with Leicester City Council to redevelop and update the Saffron Lane Athletics Track. He also served as Vice-President of Leicestershire and Rutland Athletics Association.

The LRAA Facebook page notes that “Richard was an important senior technical official in Leicestershire, the Midlands, nationally and internationally for more than 60 years. He contributed to courses, to improvements to technical rules, and the early development of electronic start systems. Most importantly he believed in a ‘fair start’, whether that was at local schools competitions, leagues, or national and international events.” In 1987 he wrote the definitive booklet on ‘Starting and Marksmanship’ for the Amateur Athletics Association.

Away from the track, Richard was an Arsenal supporter and also a member of the University Wine Club.

Margaret predeceased Richard in 2007. He leaves daughters Sue and Marilyn, sons-in-law Craig and Richard, and four grandchildren: Sarah, Simon, Jessica and Caroline. He was looking forward to meeting his first great-grandchild, due in December. The University extends deepest sympathy and condolences to Richard's family and all who knew him.

• A thanksgiving service for the life of Richard Float will be held at 2.15pm on 15 November at St Peter’s Church, Oadby LE2 5QE. The service will be followed by informal refreshments in a reception room at the funeral directors, AJ Adkinson, just across the road from the church. All are welcome. Please contact Sue Woolhouse (suewlhs@virginmedia.com) so that catering requirements can be confirmed.
• Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to The UK Sepsis Trust.
  c/o A.J. Adkinson and Son Funeral Directors, 12 London Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5DG or via love2donate.