A FORMER Major in the Royal Military Police has died suddenly, aged 64.

Major Richard Oughton collapsed while walking his dog with partner Tracey on December 5.

Despite the best efforts of Tracey and ambulance crews, he died a short time later at St Mary’s Hospital.

Mr Oughton was born in the Gold Coast Colony, now Ghana, in 1956, where his father was serving as assistant commissioner of police.

He returned to the UK with his parents, Ernest and Gwendoline Oughton, in 1959.

Both his father and grandfather served in the British Army, seeing action in the First World War and Second World War.

Following an education at Repton, Mr Oughton first joined the army as a gunner in 1974, before leaving to gain a degree in law at the Chelmer Institute.

He subsequently rejoined the army in 1979, attending the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy before being commissioned into the Royal Military Police.

Mr Oughton's career included service in the Rhine Army in Germany, and in Northern Ireland, as well as in England.

He also trained and served as a Close Protection Officer, protecting members of the British Royal Family overseas.

Mr Oughton came to the Isle of Wight in 2008, working as an advocate for vulnerable individuals.

In 2012 he volunteered as a street pastor, and during his training met Tracey and her children, with whom he formed a strong bond.

Maj Oughton was known for his willingness to serve — both his country and community — and he was an active volunteer for various charities, often in an advocacy role. 

A committed Christian, he was an active member of Cowes Baptist Church.

His interests included history, in particular military history, music and theatre. He loved to spend time with friends, and was a generous and welcoming host.

Mr Oughton is survived by sons Sebastian and Reuben, his partner Tracey and her children, Katharine, Matthew, Alexander and Thomas.

A funeral service took place on Wednesday, January 6, with a memorial of his life planned for when restrictions are lifted.