Eric (Ric) Joseph Lloyd was born in Croydon, England to parents George and Ruby. At the age of five, Ric moved to Australia with his parents and older siblings Janet and David. He attended Marion High and studied Medicine at The University of Adelaide (from 1962 to 1969). During his residency at Queen Elizabeth Hospital he met and married his beloved wife Mary - a loving marriage of 55 years. Ric became a father to Ben, Kate and Sarah-Jane.
Ric was thoughtful and kind, always willing to help and care for others. He showed a strong commitment to his extended family and friends.
During his career as a Medical Doctor, Ric worked and travelled widely both in Australia and overseas. He was a Medical Officer/Regional Director for the Commonwealth Government with postings to former Yugoslavia, Malaysia and Thailand, later returning to live in Sydney, Brisbane and Darwin.
After 'retiring' in 1999, he and Mary continued their humanitarian work with UNHCR, in Macedonia with Kosovar refugees and in Darwin with East Timorese refugees. Between 2000 and 2004, Ric and Mary moved to Papua New Guinea with PALMS/Catholic Church Health Services. Where they ran a six-bed maternity, medical and tuberculosis ward in Timbunke, taking clinics along the Sepik River.
Back in Adelaide, Ric spent much of his time taking long walks, reading and enjoyed practicing meditation. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandkids.
Throughout his life Ric practiced kindness and simplicity. He valued compassion and acceptance. Ric passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. His wishes were to be cremated with no funeral service.
If you wish to give your condolences to the family or share your memories of Ric, please do so below.
If you would like to donate to charity on behalf of Ric and family, suggested organisation is listed below.
Thank you for adding a memory. It means a lot to comfort families and to keep the memory of Ric alive.
Thank you for your message. It means a lot to comfort families and to keep the memory of Ric alive.
I was sitting on an airplane next to my now brother-in-law (then, basically a stranger) on our way to Papua New Guinea to meet Kate’s parents for the first time. I was already nervous when Ako began to tell me about Ric… ‘he’s mean, angry and judgemental, so keep your distance’’ It was obvious I had been set up when Ric greeted me with a kind warm welcome and showed nothing but openness towards me. Over the next couple weeks I had the privilege of watching a man display curiosity, great care, and humility mixed with confidence in what seemed
I was sitting on an airplane next to my now brother-in-law (then, basically a stranger) on our way to Papua New Guinea to meet Kate’s parents for the first time. I was already nervous when Ako began to tell me about Ric… ‘he’s mean, angry and judgemental, so keep your distance’’
It was obvious I had been set up when Ric greeted me with a kind warm welcome and showed nothing but openness towards me.
Over the next couple weeks I had the privilege of watching a man display curiosity, great care, and humility mixed with confidence in what seemed to me a harsh yet stunning environment. I knew I could have a lot to learn from him. I admired his calm, his common sense , his wealth of knowledge, his thirst for adventure, and most of all his acceptance.
Over the past 20 plus years he remained true to that first impression and I am so grateful for his love and support for my family. We’ll all miss that.
Ric was very fond of saying ‘ships were not built to stay in the harbour’ I find great truth and solace in that and I found great truth and solace in having Ric as a father-in-law and a Noi to our children. Rest peacefully Ric
Ric holds a special place in my heart. From his loins (yes, I said loins) came my best friend of nearly 40 years, and for that, I am eternally grateful ...
Ric holds a special place in my heart. From his loins (yes, I said loins) came my best friend of nearly 40 years, and for that, I am eternally grateful to him and Mary. But it’s not just Kate I’m thankful for - it’s also for the humor and kindness Ric showed me as I fumbled my way through a parade of questionable personas in my teens and adulthood. He always had a supportive word, his quick wit, and that caring, cheeky, and knowing smile that said, “I see you, and you’ll figure it out.”
Vale Ric - Gone but certainly not forgotten.
Ric is a kind and gentle soul and may he rest in peace. I was very grateful for his support during my time as State Coordinator of the Christian Meditation ...
Ric is a kind and gentle soul and may he rest in peace. I was very grateful for his support during my time as State Coordinator of the Christian Meditation Community in South Australia. I especially remember the time when he and Mary stepped in at the very last minute to run the bookstall at one of the meditation workshops Ruth Fowler ran in Adelaide for schoolteachers. Very relieved and grateful.
Ric and I went to Marion High School but were not in the same class until Leaving Honours. We became close friends at Medical School together with Terry Schultz. We ...
Ric and I went to Marion High School but were not in the same class until Leaving Honours. We became close friends at Medical School together with Terry Schultz. We were in the same dissection group in anatomy and shared many fond memories. We were students at the QEH when Ric and Mary met. I recall Ric being hesitant to ask her out requiring a gentle nudge from Terry and me. We became separated during our working lives ,each going our own ways but reconnected upon retirement. Ric, you will be greatly missed and forever remembered by Dianne and me.
Rest in peace.
Dear Mary and family,
On behalf of myself,Karen and Sally ,
We send all our love and thoughts to you all.
Look forward to seeing you soon xxx
To my brother Eric, He was a quiet achiever in a marvellous and loving way. He was a challenging and teasing brother in our early years but we got on ...
To my brother Eric,
He was a quiet achiever in a marvellous and loving way.
He was a challenging and teasing brother in our early years but we got on well and had lots of good times.
He achieved much throughout his life as a doctor and carer of others. Travelling to places around the world with Mary to give medical care.
A contributor to his world community in a challenging career.
A wonderful human being and brother xx
Thank you for your message. It means a lot to comfort families and to keep the memory of Ric alive.