Dick and his wife Trish were very involved in orienteering in New Zealand in the 1970s and were key members of the what is now Orienteering Bay of Plenty. Dick made many of the early maps for the area including a map for the New Zealand Championship and the Australian v’s New Zealand Challenge. He won the New Zealand elite title in 1977 and went on to represent New Zealand in the World Championships in 1978 in Norway.

In 1980, whilst staying with CMOC members John and Val Robinson, Dick received a call saying his cousin had passed away. This changed the lives for the then Burbidge family forever. Dick was now the 30th Chief of the Name and Arms and 26th Baron of the lands of Carmichael in Lanarkshire, Scotland. He took up the enormous challenge and changed his name to Richard Carmichael of Carmichael and moved to Bigger, Scotland.

Dick continued to be involved in orienteering in Scotland, he was involved in the formation of the Scottish 6 day event and become its director – a position he held for several years. He became an IOF Senior Event Advisor, a role that saw him oversee a number of major world events.

The orienteering community has lost a great creator and a friend. Farewell Dick and thank you for all you have done for our sport. Condolences to the family and the World-wide Carmichael Clan

Thank you to John and Val Robinson for providing this information.