Brigadier Tony Rickets, the former head of Irvine Development Corporation, The Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Enterprise Ayrshire and Irvine Housing Association has died at the age of 93.

Born in Hampton, Middlesex, on December 13, 1929, the early part of his life was very much like a boy's own adventure. He developed a life long passion for sailing as a child.

He followed in the footsteps of his father, R.H. Rickets, who was was one of few in the Queens Westminster Rifles to survive the 1916 battles and later served in bomb disposal during the Second World War.

After a period working as a junior surveyor, Tony was commissioned into the Royal Engineers in December 1949.

He served all over the world and in 1955 joined 76 Federal Field Squadron, based in Kluang, Malaya. Here he was promoted to the rank of captain and was made commander of a troop of Malays, Chinese and Indians, who were also responsible for building new roads, bridges and airstrips, as well as patrolling for so-called Communist Terrorists.

In the 70s he served in the Far East, transferring to Hong Kong with responsibility for Nepal, Thailand and Malaysia.

In January 1973 he was posted to the British Sector in Berlin, as ‘Chief of Staff’. Here he was involved in many interesting events, such as meeting high ranking Nazi prisoner Rudolph Hess in Spandau Prison, monitoring the progress of a rogue American tank that had driven through Checkpoint Charlie, attending Embassy functions, and accompanying visiting British politicians and Royalty, and visiting East Berlin.

Ayr Advertiser: Brigadier Ricketts, front left, led Irvine Development CorporationBrigadier Ricketts, front left, led Irvine Development Corporation (Image: Tim Ricketts)

In June 1978 Tony was appointed as chief engineer of United Kingdom Land Forces, based in Wilton, Wiltshire, and in July of that year his promotion to the rank of brigadier was announced.

In 1981, he left his military career behind to become managing director of the Irvine Development Corporation, with he and his wife Liz moving that year to live in a house near Troon.

Rather than mimic the examples of other Scottish new towns, Tony used his own initiative, and strong business relationships were established with the USA - particularly Irvine, California - and Europe.

The harbourside was transformed, housing in the area was greatly improved and businesses (SCI and Indy from the USA, Caledonian Paper from Finland, and many other smaller companies) were encouraged, and assisted with start-ups. He set up the Irvine Housing Association, which later became Riverside Scotland. 

He retired from IDC in 1995.

Tony had separated from Liz in 1990, but he continued to lead a very happy life near Kilwinning with his new partner, Pat for the rest of their lives. 

Pat died on October 3, and Tony passed away six days later.

Tony was also predeceased by his ex-wife Liz and his daughter Carol.

He is sadly missed by his son Tim, family and friends.

His funeral will be held at Holmsford Bridge Crematorium on Wednesday, November 1 at 2.30pm.

Those who would like to attend are asked to confirm their attendance with Balmoral Funeral Directors, Irvine, to whom all other enquiries should be directed.