Richard Tallboys was born 25 April 1931, the son of the late Harry Tallboys; he was educated at Palmer’s School LLB (London), BCom (Tasmania). In 1954 he married Margaret Evelyn, daughter of the late Brigadier H. W. Strutt, DSO, ED, Hobart.

Tallboys's career included: Merchant Navy apprentice, 1947-51; Third/Second Mate, Australian coast, 1952–55; Lieutenant-Commander, RANR (retired 1991); accounting profession in Australia, 1955-62; Alderman, Hobart City Council, 1958-62; Australian Government Trade Commissioner, Johannesburg [South Africa], Singapore, Jakarta [Indonesia], 1962-68; British Diplomatic Service, 1968-88: First Secretary, Brasilia [Brazil], 1969; Head of Chancery, Phnom Penh [Cambodia], 1972 (Chargé d’Affaires 1972, 1973); Foreign Office, 1973; Counsellor Commercial, Seoul [South Korea], 1976-80 (Chargé d’Affaires 1977, 1978, 1979); Consul-General, Houston [United States], 1980-85; Ambassador to Vietnam, 1985-87. Tallboys died on 2 November 2013.

His awards and honours include: CMG 1981; OBE 1974; FCA; FCIS; FCPA.