Raymond Bertram Richards

October 9, 1929 – May 11, 2024

Our active and strong father passed away suddenly after complications from pneumonia and a bad fall. He is survived by his children Ann (Richard Lee) of Toronto, Barbara (Jeremy Moore) of London, England, Jim (Johanne Poulin) of Walnut Creek, California, and Cathy (Kelowna). He also leaves behind his grandchildren Stephanie (Andrew), Nick (Danielle), Mike (Kaiya), and Matt (Sydney), and his first great-grandchild Charles. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Joan, and his brother Bud of Outlook, Saskatchewan.

Ray was born on October 9, 1929, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, to Bert and Clara, and grew up in Bateman and later Outlook. The Great Depression shaped his life, and he learned many trades and skills to always get by. As a boy, he could drive a tractor or sell a fridge in the family store. He learned to fly a small plane before he was 20.

He attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and was head of his Commerce Class. It was there he met Joan Rogal, the head of the Home Economics class, and they married in 1954. Ray had a varied career, from teaching in a one-room schoolhouse to becoming a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in Regina. He later held executive roles in oil and gas companies, including Saskatchewan Power and Producers Pipelines.

They lived in Regina where they had their 4 children and enjoyed summers at the cottage on Katepwa Lake, with his sailboat “Misty”. In 1971, the family moved to West Vancouver, where Ray continued to work in business, real estate, mining, and manufacturing.

They moved to the Dundarave area in 1991, and they loved their laneway neighbourhood. In retirement, he was active with many community groups, such as the Ambleside Dundarave Ratepayers Association and the Shoreline Preservation Society. He was a vocal participant in municipal affairs. His love for flying led him to purchase a glider (C-EFQH) and join the Regina Gliding and Soaring Club and the Vancouver Soaring Association.

He and Joan enjoyed many trips to Europe, which he diligently documented with photos, maps, and commentary. His garden kept him busy too.

He was a member of the Canadian Army Reserves for 14 years and had a keen interest in Canadian WWII history. With friends Don, Jack, and Tom, he took numerous trips to Italy and throughout Europe, following the routes of the Canadian Army.

A devoted hockey fan, he held Canucks season tickets since 1992 and rarely missed a home game, usually with a radio so he could listen to the play by play. He was thrilled they were in the playoffs and arranged to watch a game on an iPad at the hospital on his last night.

The family would like to thank Yan Wood and Don Vicic for their friendship, Lorna for her help, his laneway neighbours for their support, and the Canucks for their enduring entertainment.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army or the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, and details can be obtained by contacting the family.