Tributes Paid at Funeral for Pioneering BBC Weather Forecaster

Family and friends honored Craig Rich, the BBC’s inaugural regional weather forecaster, at his funeral. Mr. Rich passed away on 1 December at the age of 86, following what was described as an “amazing life”. The funeral service took place on Monday at St Stephens Church in Saltash, Cornwall. Loved ones, alongside former colleagues, convened to commemorate Mr. Rich and celebrate his life. Justin Leigh, a former presenter for Spotlight, remarked: “It has been a day of reminiscing, a day to cry because it has been sad, but also a day of great happiness.” Mr. Rich commenced his role with the BBC Spotlight team in Plymouth in 1978, a position he maintained for 25 years. Mr. Leigh further commented: “Lots of former colleagues from Spotlight have been here today and we have shared lots of memories of fun and games we got up to and oh boy did we get up to some fun and games,” He continued, stating: “Some on screen but a lot off screen as well so it has been a great way to remember Craig and celebrate his life and what a life.” Throughout his career, Mr. Rich also assumed the position of head of the Department of Shipping and Transport at Plymouth Polytechnic, serving as both a lecturer and tutor. In 1968, he acted as navigation advisor to the Sunday Times for the Round the World Yacht Race. Mr. Rich is survived by his wife Pat, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage, and their three children, Jo, Sarah, and Thomas. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Further information on our approach to external linking is available.