Friend and fellow consultant Andrew Etherington said: “Richard was a very kind and gentle man. He was a genuine friend and mentor who generously gave his time and knowledge. He will be greatly missed by everyone.”
Wedgbury enjoyed a successful career, taking on a number of roles across the catering industry. Having completed an HND at Westminster Catering College, he took a job working in operations for a major restaurant chain before spotting a gap in the market to sell pies to independent pubs and restaurants, which he did from the back of a van.
In the 1990s he enjoyed a very successful period working for Compass Group selling into the independent school market in East Anglia.
He then joined forces, in 1999, to set up Goodfellows Catering, with Norman Deas (current non-executive with Pride Catering Partnership) before founding his own catering consultancy.
From 2005-2007 he was chairman of the Foodservice Consultants Society International UK & Ireland, introducing initiatives including the Allied Members Code of Conduct, encouraging closer liaison with CEDA and CESA and the Young Persons Initiative.
He was recognised for his contribution to the FCSI with a special award in 2011.
An active freemason who attained high office within the organisation, he was also an avid fisherman and fan of malt whisky. He leaves behind his wife Marilyn, three sons and a daughter.
The funeral will take place on April 16th at Doddington Parish Church, Cambridgeshire. His family have requested that anyone wishing to send flowers, should instead make a donation to Cancer Research UK. For details e-mail: admin@fcsi.org