Christopher Neil Richardson

Christopher Neil Richardson born June 28, 1941 in Barnstaple, Devon, England, soared serenely to humbling new heights, departing from his home, in Calgary, Alberta Canada, June 14, 2012. Christopher, “Chris” embraced everyone he met with a genuine interest, and uncommon kindness. As a Christian man, he was all inclusive: If you met Christopher he was your friend. If you were his friend you became part of his extended family. It was as simple as that. As a friend, Christopher would always tell you what you needed to hear, not what you wanted to hear. He would celebrate your successes and mourn your losses. Hugs were free and freely given. Christopher formed his countless Canadian friendships many years back after flying from his native England and creating Silver Wing Holidays with his then business partner Wellington Lee. Their association resulted in a hugely successful tour operator business. And year’s later people still sing the Silver Wing jingle, “I need a vacation!” When Silver Wing was sold to SunQuest Vacations, Chris established Wingtips Airport Services, an airport management company based at Calgary International Airport. Here his credibility grew and his friendships blossomed. Christopher, while clearly devoted to his personal family, viewed the airport as a major extension of this. The airport and its people, the airlines and their crews, and support staff worldwide...were seamlessly added to...the family. August 16, 2010, Chris sold Wingtips and his company culture of superior customer service, to ATS, a major North American ground handling company. Reluctant to let them fly solo, Christopher remained as a consultant to assist through the transition phase. And until recently, even in failing health, a smiling Chris could be seen dashing through the airport terminal on his brilliant red scooter, sporting the Wingtips logo. Nothing could really slow our man for long: Not prostate cancer, not skin cancer, not triple heart bypass surgery. But a relentless blood/bone marrow cancer finally stopped a seemingly unstoppable engine. And sadly, put his scooter in the garage for good. Christopher taught us an invaluable lesson: Grab each available day with gusto. His unbridled joy at- just being alive- was such an unbelievable inspiration. His passing is such unfathomable sorrow for those of us left behind. Surviving our hero are Christopher’s cherished wife Susan (Booker)Richardson of Calgary, his devoted sister Elizabeth Mary Harsant (Ray), and loving brothers Andrew Charles Richardson (Susan),and David William Richardson (Susan) all of England; step-daughter Shauna Roberge (Jason) and grandsons Aaron and Taylor, all of Calgary; step-son Donnie Booker ( Kim) and grandchildren Justin, D.J. and Destiny of Fredericton, New Brunswick; brother-in-law Andrew Wickett (Bernice) and proud mother-in-law Grace Wickett of Sherbrooke, Quebec; great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the family fur kids. Christopher was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth Marion (Gibson) and Neil Richardson, his father-in-law Don Wickett and by his first wife Christina. In honour of Chris Richardson, please consider becoming a blood donor. Without the selfless contribution of countless donors, we would have lost Christopher so much sooner. And without the wise care and counsel of Dr. Walter Blahey, the angels in the Peter Lougheed treatment room, your heartfelt prayers, and those of Pastor Glenn Gilmore, we could not have continued. Thank you so much. A proud thirty year member of Skal International, Christopher was at the heart of many celebrations. He put Don Rickles to shame. A Private Family Gathering to celebrate Christopher’s joyful life will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial