Rich was born July 16, 1944 in Ashern, Manitoba, first child of Sigurdur and Violet (nee Aldrich) Sigurdson and husband of 46 years to Ann (nee Piercy) Sigurdson.
After being raised in Ashern and Winnipeg, Rich arrived in Calgary in 1963. By 1969 Rich was co-owner of a private ambulance service called Aaron Ambulance. In 1971 the City of Calgary took over the ambulance service and Rich became a city employee. He worked his way up from Ambulance Attendant to Training Officer and finally Supervisor. Rich graduated from the first Paramedic course offered by SAIT in 1971. Always an entrepreneur at heart, Rich started Aaron Paramedical in the late 1970s and which he operated until 2004. Aaron Paramedical offered a variety of services including out-of-town ambulance transfers from Calgary to local hospitals throughout Alberta; air ambulance repatriations and paramedical stand-by services for high risk sporting events. Rich was known as “the” paramedic at the Calgary Stampede for many years. He participated in the “Trail of 87” and was inducted into the Pioneer of Rodeo Hall of Fame by the Stampede for his dedicated service. Rich also rubbed elbows with his beloved Flames for many years as Aaron Paramedical provided stand-by services at the Saddledome for home games. Rich was Charter President of the Alberta Paramedical Association he and also served as President of the Alberta Ambulance Operators.
Later in life Rich became an active Mason and Shriner. One of Rich’s many legacies as a Shriner was driving his “Shrine kids” to the Spokane Hospital in Washington on the Shriner’s Hospital Bus. Rich pursued his passion for cars as a member of the Calgary Shriner Vintage Car Club and enjoyed the company of many great friends as a member of Calgary Shriner Mounted Horse Patrol Club. Rich also volunteered for many years at the Shriner’s PGA golf tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Rich was greatly loved by family and friends. Family dinners and barbeques were often hosted at home and a cup of coffee was always ready for the many friends that visited. Quiet times often included a “happy hour” cocktail with his much adored wife Ann and some quality time with his dog Elvis.
Rich is survived by his wife Ann; three children, Charles (Tracy), Sheri, and RJ (Leanne); five grandchildren, Caden, Ty, Trystan, Ethan and Sophie; brother, Art (Penny); and sister, Val (Brian). He is predeceased by his parents and brother Lenny.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Shrine Center, 5225 – 101 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 1:00 p.m.
If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to either: Al Azhar Shriners Transportation Fund or Calgary Health Trust.ca - indicate designation as “other designated unit” and then type in the blank space “ kidney care clinic part of kidney care south”.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff, nurses and doctors at the Sheldon Chumir Kidney Clinic for their wonderful care and compassionate service over the past three years.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18