Rick was the youngest of 3 children born to Marinus and Dena Van Hull in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 23, 1948. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his sister Joan Spence and brother-in-law Norm Mitchell. He is survived by his sister Shirley Mitchell and his brother-in-law Ray Spence.
Rick was a positive person who truly lived life to the fullest. Fun abounded when he was around and laughter followed, particularly his own infectious one. He was a bright light at gatherings and his welcoming demeanour ensured he had countless friends. He treasured them doing his best to keep in touch with them over the years and miles. Rick also had a beautiful and warm smile that he shared with everyone until the very end. In his final difficult days, he still managed to grace all of the wonderful nurses at Riverview with that smile. He took interest in those he met and made a point of always knowing everyone’s name and remembering it.
Rick was a very entertaining storyteller and loved sharing tales of youthful antics, especially of days spent in his beloved Mexico, a country he travelled to almost yearly since his twenties. The early days there gave birth to many nicknames from his buddies such as Julio and Diablo Rojo (acquired after a bad sunburn). His enjoyment of travel extended elsewhere including Italy, Portugal, and Argentina. Recent decades were spent escaping the winter in San Jose Del Cabo with the love of his life Eileen. They so treasured their time together there and everywhere.
Rick attended the University of Winnipeg, financing his education by waiting tables at the Keg, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. He often said “It’s the waiter in me” when he meticulously corrected a table setting that was not up to his standards. Later he became a dedicated Real Estate professional, a career that extended 40 years, ultimately becoming a partner at Coldwell Banker. Wherever he traveled in the world, if he saw a Coldwell Banker office, he couldn’t resist going in to say hello and to introduce himself as part of the Coldwell team. He was an unofficial but proud CB Ambassador.
Rick had many interests and loves including classic cars, classic movies, fine wines, history and was a voracious reader. One of his delights was Eileen’s cooking. Her gourmet dishes brought a special smile of satisfaction to his face. But what he loved the most was sharing 30 plus wonderful years with Eileen, hanging out, enjoying simple pleasures and creating many cherished memories.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A private gathering with friends and family will take place at a later time.
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