Tributes paid after sudden death of popular Plymouth accountant
Family man and wonderful boss dies quickly after cancer diagnosis
William TelfordBusiness Editor
A Plymouth accountant described as both a "workaholic" and a wonderful family man has died suddenly after bravely standing up to illness – and working almost to the end.
David Rice was a highly respected professional, well known throughout Plymouth business circles and to hundreds of clients.
He had run the firm most recently trading as Ridgeway Accountancy Practice for more than 30 years, with some of his loyal staff at his side for much of that time.
The 68-year-old had been diagnosed with cancer but the end came quickly.
David Rice with his team, pictured in 2011, including Jo Broad, far left, and Debbie Husband, next to Mr Rice (Image: Lucy Duval)
"It was a big shock," said his wife Cathy Rice, adding that her husband, who she described as her " rock", continued working until a couple of weeks before he died.
"He was a workaholic," she said. "He never had any hobbies, he loved his job, and he loved his clients. He always said he would die at his desk."
At the firm he steered to success staff praised a boss who they described as diligent but nonetheless a joy to work for.
"He was a great boss," said his PA Jo Broad, who worked for Mr Rice for 33 years. "He was really easy going, as long as the work was done.
Tributes paid to 'wonderful' Plymouth publican and hotelier
"We are really saddened, this wasn't expected.
"The clients have been really lovely – some have known him for 50 years.
"He wasn't just their accountant, he was their friend."
And Mrs Rice added: "I have had lots of cards from clients, some that I didn't even know."
Mr Rice, who was born in Torpoint, qualified as a chartered accountant in 1974.
David Rice ran Ridgeway Accountancy Practice in Plympton (Image: Google)
He set up the firm Rice Nancarrow, with partner Nick Nancarrow, who died young, cancer claiming him at aged just 49.
Mr Rice then worked for a time for the huge Francis Clark accountancy firm (now known as PKF Francis Clark) before going it alone as David Rice & Co and building a strong reputation as a leading adviser to private individuals and owner-managed businesses in Plymouth.
"His first love was sole practice," Mrs Rice said.
In 2009, Mr Rice's firm merged with another, larger, accountancy practice Thomas Westcott.
Mr Rice later split from that arrangement with Ridgeway Accountancy Practice operating successfully in Plympton.
Little boy who adored superheroes has tragically died
In July 2017 it merged with the Affinity Group, but continued trading under the Ridgeway moniker, the merged firm now taking over responsibility for Mr Rice's clients and staff.
Those include Debbie Husband, who worked for Mr Rice for 35 years, and Anne Box, his cousin, also a longstanding member of staff.
"The practice was successful because he had such extremely efficient staff," Mrs Rice said.
She said that, though focussed on working hard, her husband was nevertheless a wonderful family man.
She met him when he walked into the bank she was working in.
They wed in 1985 and had two children: Sophie, now aged 31 and a mum herself, and Jonathan, now aged 29.
Husband's heartbreaking tribute to much loved Plymouth pub landlady who died suddenly
"David was a lovely, caring husband, and was a proud father," Mrs Rice said.
And while her husband may have been a hard worker, he wasn't always chained to his desk.
"He did enjoy his food," Mrs Rice, who enjoys crafts including sewing, said. "And good wine, and he loved eating in good restaurants.
"His favourite was Positano in Mayflower Street, where he went many times – more than he should have done, particularly while I was away on sewing holidays."
She added: "He was a very private man, a true gentleman, and old school, he still used a fountain pen.
"He always appreciated the full support I gave towards his job.
"And he always showed interest in my hobby, craft work, and was full of admiration for what I made.
"I will miss him terribly, he was my rock."
In 2011 The Herald reported David Rice's thoughts on the future of the city
In 2011, Mr Rice spoke to The Herald about the city he lived and worked in, and how proud he was of Plymouth.
"Plymouth is the largest village in England. That's a strength, not a weakness," he said. "Plymouth is underestimated, and long may it continue. When the rest of the country finds out what we have here, we will be inundated."
He described Plymouth as "the best city on the South coast" but stressed the challenge for the city is to make the most of what it has and "stop criticising Plymouth".
"Plymothians have this ability to talk their own city down," he said. "Start looking up. Plymouth has potential, the challenge is to make the most of what we have."
Mr Rice's funeral will take place at Emmanuel Church, Compton, at 12.15pm on Friday, March 16, 2018.
Download the Plymouth Live app
We have launched our very own app for Android and Apple devices which can be tailored to deliver the news and sport that you're interested in.
It means you can get the news which matters to you faster than ever before.
Discover breaking news online from the area including the latest on Argyle, sport, business, news where you live, weather and what's on.
Just one quick download and you can read our content on the move without being online.
To download the iOS app click here.
To download the Android app click here.
Find out more about the app here.