Linsell Donald Richards (Lin) was born in Levin, New Zealand, and after early education at Horowhenua College entered Otago University for his medical studies, qualifying in 1959. His first house appointments were at Cook and Wellington Hospitals and during this time he decided to specialize in otorhinolaryngology. Before coming to England for postgraduate studies he spent three years as a general practitioner in Tolaga Bay and a year in Hastings as surgical registrar. He came to Britain in 1966 and did most of his postgraduate appointments at Nottingham General Hospital. In 1969 he obtained both the DLO and FRCS and returning to New Zealand passed the FRACS in 1971. After his appointment as consultant in otorhinolaryngology at Wellington Hospital he worked vigorously to modernise the department and to establish audiology clinics. He was elected to the New Zealand Committee of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1980, served as President of the New Zealand Otolaryngology Society and was appointed to the court of examiners in otolaryngology. Throughout his life he remained active in physically demanding sports, especially hockey. He married Helen and they had four children, Megan, Andrew, Meryl and Kate. He died at home on 21 June 1986, aged 51, survived by his second wife Sheryl and Paul, his youngest son.