D’Arcy Richardson on his father Graham Richardson after his death at 76

He was a revered political powerbroker, a tough and resilient fighter but, most of all, he was a loving father, writes D’Arcy Richardson.

D’Arcy Richardson writes that he would choose Graham Richardson to be his father ‘every time’. Picture: Supplied

“You’re going to be something one day son, and when you do I want you to remember: Always look out for the little people.”

These are the wise words my father said to me on my thirteenth birthday, as did his father Fred before him.

I write this piece the day after my father, Graham Frederick Richardson, passed away at the age of 76.

Dad battled with severe disabilities for nine and a half years, having undergone a major operation to remove cancer when I was only in primary school.

He left us in the early hours of Saturday morning after battling complications of pneumonia.

After his first major operation, I vividly remember visiting him in hospital every day for about six months, only to wake up early the next day to go to school.

At the times he was able we talked and laughed, and when he wasn’t I read to him as he lay in bed.

Family photos of Graham Richardson supplied by his son D'Arcy Richardson to go with an obituary for the former Labor Power Broker. Picture: Supplied.

Some years prior Tony Abbott kindly gifted our family a copy of ‘A Fortunate Life” by A.B. Facey. Dad and I would sit on the couch as he read to me. 

Looking back, I’m glad I had the opportunity to repay him in kind.

I remember being so elated to see him in the audience when I received an excellence award in Year 3, which I later learned was a result of him checking out of intensive care for the afternoon to be there in person.

For the rest of my life, I will remember the night in 2016 when we were told to come to the hospital and say goodbye.

He pulled on his breathing tube, trying to speak to us as we stood at his bedside.

Much has been written in the past few days about his dogged determination and fighting spirit, and while I may not have been around to see the policy debates of yore, I know that dad fought so hard every day for the past nine and a half years to stay strong for Mum and I.

Dad showed up.

A younger D’Arcy Richardson with his family. Picture: Supplied.

Every school musical, every debate, even for my Saturday morning basketball games he insisted on coming to support me.

He knew that it wasn’t normal for a teenager to fix his dad’s dinner or help him dress for work, but he made up for it by his insistent love and presence.

When his immobility got me down, mum always reminded me that there are dads out there in full health who couldn’t give a rats about their kids.

I’d choose my dad every time.

I’d pack his walker into the car or wait for him to get up stairs every day of the week if it meant I had him there to cheer me on.

I am proud to have been able to cheer on his beloved St George Dragons with him many times at Jubilee Oval.

I will cherish our memories eating meat pies and joking that “there’s always next year” after too many unfortunate Dragons defeats.

On Sunday,I went to lunch at Lee’s Fortuna Court with some of dad’s great mates, who enjoyed many long lunches with him over the years.

D’Arcy credits his mother for her loving care and unwavering support of both Graham and himself as a younger boy. Picture: Supplied.

To Ben Fordham, Lee Jelosek, Richard Wilkins, Mark Arbib, Ben English, Chris Willis, Mick Fuller and Vince Sorrenti, I cannot express how grateful I am to have spent time with you at the famous “Richo table”, hearing your stories and sharing some much-needed laughter.

I’d also like to thank the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, for your kindness to Mum during this extremely tough period.

Albo, whenever your face came on our TV, Dad would say how glad he was that he got to see you in the top job.

To Richard Marles, Tony Burke and Jim Chalmers, thank you for your kind words to our family.

I know dad held all of you in such high regard.

Over lunch we discussed dad’s many admirable qualities, most of all his overwhelming generosity of spirit.

If you were dad’s mate, or indeed his son, there is no length on Earth he wouldn’t go to in order to help you, and he championed those who sought out his counsel.

D’Arcy said he and his mother were ‘truly grateful’ to The Daily Telegraph, Sky News and The Australian for their ‘authentic’ coverage after his father’s death. Picture: Supplied

I’d like to thank all those that have written kind words about dad in the past few days, it has been so uplifting to read your testimonies of his character.

I have seen that those who knew him saw the wit, spirit, and love for our country that I did.

I was moved by tributes from Kieran Gilbert, Stephen Conroy and Annastacia Palaszczuk on Sky News after he passed.

Mum and I are truly grateful to Sky News, The Daily Telegraph and The Australian for their authentic, generous coverage.

It put a smile on our faces in this trying time.

Unsurprisingly, but disappointingly, it was a few who didn’t know dad that have chosen to take the low road and pen articles that besmirch his great Australian story.

While some haven’t been brave enough to attach their names, I know for a fact that those who we have never heard of that have emerged from the woodwork have no authority to speak about the life of Graham Richardson.

My message to them is this: You know nothing of what you speak. And I encourage you to think about the fact that so much love has been expressed from the many people he touched over the years, currently grieving his loss.

It speaks volumes that those who have really known him have all had nothing but positive stories to share, while those who never once crossed his path feel like they have the right to opine about the man based on hit pieces from decades ago.

It is so easy to sit back and drum up allegations (that were categorically proven untrue) from as far back as 40 years ago and flick it off to your editor without a second thought.

Family photos of Graham Richardson supplied by his son D'Arcy Richardson.

As you do that, I hope you remember, the Daintree Rainforest sits more beautiful than ever up in the tropics, as does Kakadu, and the forests of Tasmania.

Indigenous health is a priority for all sides of government and there are many less fortunate families that received social support because of Dad’s unwavering support of workers.

Finally, the Sydney 2000 Olympics is regarded as the best ever.

And if that’s not enough, he helped make me the man I am today. I am now without a dad and mum has lost the love of her life.

I’m profoundly sad he won’t be there to watch me grow, but I am proud to say my dad is Graham Richardson.

He knew he wasn’t perfect, but no one is, least of all these critics.

This experience has been extremely emotional for my mum and I, and the love and support certainly outweighs the negative noise.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us personally, from Scott Morrison to my former teachers, it has been truly touching to know you have us in your thoughts and prayers.

Much has been made of dad’s wish to see me through to the end of my schooling.

As I said to him on Friday night, I’m forever grateful he kept his promise.

But he couldn’t have done it without mum.

Mum cared for dad dutifully over what have been challenging years, and I’m in awe of the way she took up the duties of a full-time nurse and carer while juggling being a mum, and a working a full-time job. 

Rest easy Richo, you’ve done good, played strong, now you can enjoy a long lunch in the sky.

Just say G’day to Hawkie for me!