Rich and I played ice hockey together for many years. He loved the game and was appreciated by others for being a team player. I particularly enjoyed his ready smiles, chuckles and hearty laugh in the dressing room before and after games. We could often count on Rich for an offbeat comment or joke that required some thought to fathom. That was part of his appeal. I will always have a special place for the wonderful memories of Rich. 
    My heart goes out to his family who have lost a loving husband and father.



I fondly remember playing hockey with Rich. So much enthusiasm that when he did get the puck it was sheer panic. However, there were those games when Rich elevated his skill and surprised everyone - including himself. 
Rest In Peace my friend. 
Best wishes and condolences to Peggy and the family. 

I am deeply saddened to hear of Rich's passing. He was a fantastic teacher that was respected by students and staff for his knowledge of Biology and his enthusiasm for teaching and learning. He had a presence in the classroom that is hard to quantify, but impossible not to admire. 
He was also a wonderful role model and mentor to early career teachers . When I first started teaching years ago, I had the good fortune to begin at North when Rich was the Department Head. He always made time for me and made me feel like my work was valued. He played a huge role in my formative years as a teacher and I wish I would have had one more opportunity to tell him how he made a difference in my professional life. 
More than anything, I will miss his smile and his sense of humor. Rich, you are a great man.
My deepest sympathies to Rich's family and friends.

I worked with Rich at Burnaby North as my Science Department Head.  He was an excellent teacher-knowledgeable, thorough, always patient and with a wonderful sense of humour. He was very well liked by both students and staff.  As one of his two lab assistants I can say he was always considerate and thoughtful, while being fun to work with, even when things got hectic.  He was a dream boss and adored by his lab aides.
After he retired when he was a TOC he still came and visited in the lab and we had great chats and lots of laughs- a wonderful man gone way too soon. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Mr. Oliver...as he will always be...was my Biology teacher at Cariboo Hill in the late 1980's. He was an amazing and inspiring teacher who had a great sense of humour and a kind heart. He also had an infinite amount of patience, as he put up with me.
30+ years on, his legacy continues,  as I too studied Biology at Uni and have been teaching Sciences in New Zealand for many years.  I know the impact that I can have on my students because of the impact teachers like Mr. Oliver had on me.
My condolences to his family and my gratitude to them for sharing him with us. He was one of a kind. Kia kaha.

Rich Oliver was my science department head when I taught at Burnaby North in the mid '90s.  It was my first teaching assignment, and Rich was a great mentor, always injecting a bit of humor with his advice.  We paddled in the district's first teachers dragon boat team.   We had so much fun!  After his retirement, we would cross paths when he TOC'd at Burnaby South! He even judged one of my Science Fairs too!  He will be greatly missed.  Condolences to his family.

Mr. Oliver was my Science teacher in Grade 8 and Biology 11/12 teacher at Cariboo Hill in the late 1980s. I always have fond memories of him as a teacher and I believe he has a large part in why I ended up pursuing Biology at SFU. I was saddened to hear of his passing and I send my condolences to his wife, children and family. 

I was saddened to hear about Rich's illness and his passing. I first met Rich in the 1980s when he came to Cariboo Hill as a Science teacher.  Rich and I were colleagues for many years.  Rich contributed a great deal to the students at Cariboo Hill.  He was an inspiration to many of his students.  He was very respected and liked by his students as well as fellow staff members.  We worked together on several committees and Rich was someone that could be counted on to do a good job.  He had a great sense of humour that always made working together more fun.
My condolences to his wife, Peggy, his children and grandchildren.

I was very saddened to hear about Richard's illness and passing.  Richard and I attended the same school in Vancouver.  His father was my Cub leader.  I moved to Burnaby with my family when I was in grade 8.  Years later, as a young Science teacher, I walked into a Professional Development activity and was surprised to meet Richard.  Over our careers, we taught together, played hockey together and socialized together.   I remember, with fond memories, the collegiality and sharing in our Science Department at Cariboo Hill.  Richard was an outstanding teacher.  The students loved him and his sense of humour.  I always remember Richard with a smile and a humorous comment.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the Memorial as I will be in Sydney Australia but my thoughts will be with him and his family.  My condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.

I knew Rich at Burnaby North Secondary where we were both teachers.  In addition to being Dept. Head of Science Rich contributed much to the school. Although I didn’t know him well or for long I sometimes met him while skiing at Whistler/Blackcomb as he often chaperoned student snow club trips. I remember him as very physically fit and I enjoyed some ski runs with him at those times.
My condolences to his family on your loss.

I first met Rich at Burnaby North Secondary beginning in September of 2004.  He was the head of the Science Department then and we played hockey after school with a great group that was made up of mostly teachers.  We weren't really very good, but we sure had a lot of fun.  Rich always skated "full steam ahead" and as far as I recall, I don't think he ever got tired.  He was in great shape!  I still think about our playing together all the time.
My heart felt condolences go out to his wife and family.  My prayers are with you all. 

OBITUARY

Richard Thurman Oliver

28 March, 1948 – 16 January, 2020

First Memorial Funeral Services

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