Stories forWilliam Richter

From school, German, sport, to memorising Pashanim raps, Will had a passion and ambition that I always found inspiring. Along with this, his kindness, heart and appreciation was evident in everything he did. His humour never failed to light up our German class. I wish to live life taking inspiration from the way he lived his, with passion, kindness, determination and appreciation.

I remember being in my room and Will saying that he'd love to have my room when he gets to third year, solely because I had lived in it beforehand. That made me feel very special.

I knew Will only in passing, however as a student photographer at college, I attended many sports games. I particularly enjoyed photographing the footy, as well as the Men’s Netball team. Many male sports players never so much as spared me a glance - a quiet female in their midst, awkwardly encroaching on their team huddles. Will smiled at me, greeted me by name, and on occasion initiated conversation relevant to my role in the world of sport. He was a lovely guy.

Eating icecream with Will on a Friday night, bantering about rugby and football, learning about his favourite German soccer league. What a great bloke and an incredible friend.

Will was an amazing friend. I have so many fond memories of studying with him, playing sports at school with him, and chatting together in the library. He was an amazing human being. He pushed me to do my best and give my all, especially in economics, and some of my fondest memories are of us discussing SACs and exam questions. Though he is no longer with us, I am certain I, and anyone who was lucky enough to know him, will remember him as a kind, generous, and humble person. I do, and will, miss him, and I wish nothing but the best for his family and those closest to him ❤️❤️❤️

The night the Trinity boys won the premiership, the boys sat around the bul at college singing “richters on fire” after he kicked the match winner with less than 2 minutes to play. It really was a special moment in which we all cherished and I hope will and the rest of the Richter family knows how proud the college community is of Will for his sporting achievements, but more importantly who he was as a man.

"I have fond memories of my frequent conversations with Will every time he visited the LOTE office. I cherished the way Will never failed to greet me in French, a small gesture that spoke volumes of his warmth and kindness. Will was the student I never taught, but always wished I had. He was the kind of young man I hope my own son will one day grow to be. Will stayed true to his heart and had a way of lighting up every room he entered. His heart and spirit will shine forever."

I am devastated to learn of my buddy Will's passing. I was fortunate to have known Will since high school, and I was more luckier that our friendship lasted. From Schoolies to even catching up last week, we had a ton of fun together. Everyone who knew Will was impacted by his warmth and friendliness, and he had a talent for making others laugh and feel included. Please let Will's family know how much his friends adored him. I will always cherish the memories we had together since he filled our lives with happiness, brightness, and friendship. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. Will, may you rest in peace.

Will was a source of positivity who empowered others to become, and to truly be the best versions of themselves. He will be forever missed, but his legacy will live on. Thank you for everything, Will.

I thank the Richter family for the chance to meet such a wonderful man. This man is the best of us in Uni High. He was elected most likely to be Prime minister. He is the best Economics student that year, a great athlete. But I think we all remember Will as a very kind human being. When I was 18 I was unstable and left my home. Even when I insisted not to, he personally gave me some food during those dificult times. He always tried to make time to play study talk, and be kind to every single one of us. Rest in Peace Will Richter. You are an inspiration for many to come.

Will was the sweetest and most genuine person I have ever met. He was always offering me a helping hand with anything, whether it was with school work or giving me a lift home from a party. I’ve got many fond memories of Will, but my favourites were our after school conversations. We’d both ride our bikes home from school, so we’d usually see each other there. Every time he saw me, he’d always ask me how my day was and what I had been up to. Those conversations would almost always be the highlight of my day, whether we talked about the footy or school. Some conversations even went on for up to 15-20 minutes. Will’s a year older than me, so he graduated last year while I’m currently in year 12. Even with not seeing each other that often anymore, he’d still always check up on me and start a conversation with me through text. We’d talk about our plans for the future, school, uni and banter about the footy. He’d even comment and reply to every post or story I posted on instagram, which was something I would always look forward to. Will was one of the few people I genuinely looked up to, I wanted to be like him. He was nice, smart, a gun at footy and most importantly the most caring friend anyone could ever ask for. Will, you’ll forever be in my heart, never forgotten, I’ll miss you always.

Will took the train from Rostock to Nordhorn, a day before his Berlin Camp, to see Pashanim, and spend a great night with Luke, Harvina, Joana and me (Mark) in the club. An effort for a night I never saw once again. The day after he took the train to Berlin with Luke and Harvina. Motivated and ambitious for everything he loved.

Will was one of the kindest and genuine people I’ve ever known. He had this way of making everyone around him feel valued and cared for, and I’m so grateful for the memories we shared together. Will had such a bright future ahead of him with the world at his feet and he would’ve gone on to become such a wonderful man and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Wenn ich an Will denke muss ich immer daran was für ein schlauer Mensch er ist. Als ich meinen Austausch In Australien gemacht habe kam er immer kurz zu den Aktivitäten um alle zu sehen und meinte dann, dass er weiter lernen muss und ich habe immer bewundert wie leidenschaftlich er dabei ist. Ich kenne wahrscheinlich niemanden der einen so klaren Plan von seinem Leben hatte und ich habe mich immer gefragt und gefreut zu sehen was er in seinem Leben tut, da es immer bewundernswert ist. Er ist definitiv jemand zu dem ich als Vorbild aufschaue. Mein Beileid und nur das Beste für die Familie und Freunde Lea Stähler

Will is a kind and compassionate person... Before we even met him we were utterly impressed by his application for the scholarship that demonstrated what a well-rounded person Will is. I wrote "Someone who would be friends with everyone." Of course we were right. We knew once we had met him that he was someone special who made a difference in every community he was a part of. I'm so so sorry for your loss.

Will spoke with me a couple of times expressing a wish to be on the SAGSE committee. He appreciated his exchange in Germany so much and didn't take it for granted. He appreciated all that went into making it possible and desperately wanted to give something back. A keen and balanced young man who should have been looking forward to a successful life, I feel terribly sad for his family and those who knew him much more closely than I did.

Will was an amazing friend and member of our jahrgang, always making everyone laugh and one of the smartest in our group. He always put effort into making friends with everyone and being kind.

I only got to meet Will very briefly, but he was glowing with so much energy I just had to love him the second I met him!

When Will was in Germany, we always used to make fun of the accent together and say “Give me a bottle of water” in the most perfect English accent. That became our own little meme, and it will always stay in my memory. I also often think back to when I visited Will in Australia – in Melbourne – when I stayed at his place, we went for walks with the dog, and just had a wonderful time together. I was always impressed by how much German he had learned, how ambitious he was, and how high his goals in life were. I really took that as an example for myself. Will was such a lovable person. He was always happy, always had an open ear, and I miss him deeply. Shortly before his passing, we were still writing about how much we wanted to see each other again and how he really wanted to party in Europe. I loved Will very much and I wish his family all the best. It was truly wonderful that I was allowed to stay with you – I will never forget that time.

I'll never forget when Will embraced me as his friend within the first week of year 7, with me being a new student knowing no one at the school. His warmth and kindness gave him a unique ability to bring people together and is something that will be so heavily missed by everyone. Will's love for education, both as a student and a teacher to others, is something I admired so much over the past few years and I was so lucky to be the beneficiary of that during our time at high school. My personal favourite memory with Will was winning Brunswick Cricket Club's 1st JG Craig Shield title together as 15 year olds, getting around each other as soon as the winning runs were hit. I miss you so much mate, thank you for everything you brought to my life, words can't even describe how much it will be missed. Rest in Peace.

Will Richter was the hardest working, funniest, kindest, greatest soul I have ever known. I’m glad our relationship was one in which we were not scared to say that we were proud of each other, and respected each other highly. Will constant effort in everything that he touched in his lifetime, whether that was his footy, studies, relationships, or his general manner of life, was inspirational, and if I could produce even a 10th of that effort in my lifetime, I would be immensely proud. Though I am devastated that I will never hear Will talk about economics, politics, random soccer players, the rat in his trinity dorm or how Pashnim is the goat, I cherish so much the time I did have with him, and so, so grateful. My condolences to the Richter family. And to Will, I love you forever. Can’t wait to reunite with you in the next chapter.

Will was growing up to be a great man. He was full of talent and had such a tremendously bright future. It is a heartbreaking tragedy that he was taken from us so soon and my condolences go out to his family and friends who are currently in the process of grieving his passing.

Always the brightest and passionate person. The world will miss you dearly.

When I heard about the passing of Will I was utterly devastated. It couldn’t have happened to someone with a more promising future. Will would always be there to support his peers no matter the issue. His infectious kindness positively impacted so many lives. Will’s determination with sport, academics and helping others specifically moved me. I was so glad to spend time around him where he taught me so much. RIP.