Richard Glasson at the Canowindra Historical Society Museum in 2007.
The Canowindra Historical Society and Museum Inc would like to pay tribute to Richard Glasson who died just over a year ago, five weeks short of this 80th birthday.
Richard was the son of Max and Glennah Glasson of Hiawatha, Cargo, along with his sister Catherine and brother Warwick.
His parents were actively involved in community organisations, and foundation members of the Canowindra and District Historical Society formed in September 1967. His mother, especially, was a driving force in the establishment of the associated Historical Museum opened in 1970 in the former Murga School building moved to a corner of Memorial Park. This became the start of a series of buildings extending on former railway ground that are now the focus of Canowindra and district history.
Richard inherited his parents commitment to community. He was a member of the Hospital Board, at one time Chair- man, and other organisations such as the Canowindra Show Society, the Apex Club, the Historical Society and Age of Fishes Museum.
Hot Air Ballooning became a special interest and he worked with a group of interested balloonists who came to the area in the 1970s to establish Canowindra as a district highly suitable for ballooning. Balloons launched from a small paddock near the Showground then delighted locals as a rare spectacle. Today they are still a delight but a more familiar sight.
Richard was known for his pleasant nature and cheerfulness, much evident when battling with debilitating ill health in his final years.
Richard left a generous bequest to the Canowindra Historical Society and Museum, partly to promote and record the history of ballooning for future generations. The society gratefully acknowledge his legacy and generosity.
The Society invites anyone with information, stories or memorabilia from early days of ballooning to the present day to contact the Society by email at canowindrahistorical@gmail.com
By Jan Harrison
President of Canowindra Historical Society and Museum Inc