It is with much sadness that we share news of the passing of Richard Fraher on Wednesday 9 August.

Born in the South of Ireland, Richard moved to London where he completed his tertiary studies before commencing his working life at SmithKline Beecham in London. His heart drew him to Australia though, venturing here in the mid 90s. Richard commenced his professional career in Australia briefly working as a development chemist at Reckitt’s before returning to Ireland, working at Oriflame in Dublin for a further year. Again he returned to Australia, commencing briefly at Pharmacia and Upjohn and later at Nutrimetics in Sydney before moving to Adelaide where he joined Fauldings, continuing there until it’s closure in the early 2000s. Richard then made the move to Melbourne in 2003, commencing his role as Senior Development Chemist at Ensign Laboratories, where his remarkable contributions have spanned the past 20 years.

In 2019 Richard transitioned to Ross Cosmetics before returning later in that year to Ensign. In 2021 Richard assumed the role of Technical Manager at Ensign, where he continued to lead by example with his incredible work ethic, always displaying a remarkable attention to detail in solving any task before him and striving toward standards of excellence at all times. He has been responsible for the mentoring of many young chemists over the years of his career, many of whom have moved on in our industry to pursue successful careers themselves.

For those in our scientific community that have had the pleasure of working with Richard, they will have known him for his true professionalism, his determination but also for his genuine friendliness and good humour. A true gentleman in every sense who will be missed by his many friends and colleagues in the ASCC community.

To Richard’s family and those closest to him, we extend our deepest condolences.

The Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists