Jim Richards

Jim, Senior, J.R., Pops, Papa, was born in 1945 in Regina. He grew up in Simpson, Saskatchewan until he was 15, when the family moved to Moose Jaw. Jim worked for Sears, Eatons, then wholesale traveler in Alberta. He was home to see his brother off to his next Air Force base, when he met Ronna through a mutual friend. They were quick to show off on the dance floor at the Harwood Hotel - they were never quite sure where their first date was. But it was at the Harwood, where Ronna finally locked him down and proposed. They were married on August 15, 1970 and Jim went back to school. He completed his diploma in administration and was immediately hired by the Federal Civil Service. Then off to Winnipeg where Garnet was born. Every time they moved Ronna gave birth to one of the boys. Jim was born while on Ruth Street, and Patrick came along with the move to Wildwood. They never managed a girl though not through lack of trying.

With the help of tradesmen Jim built the Nelson home that became a beacon to so many over the decades. He was a fixture within the community association and Wildwood Golf Course Men’s club and helped make sure the city council followed through in building the Lakewood Civic Centre. But the yard and the kitchen is where Jim thrived. You were never left with an empty plate or without a drink and a laugh at the Richards’ House.

Papa loved his family time and that he could spend so much time on the golf course with family and friends. He may have sworn when he chilly dipped another chip, but he loved every other moment with all of us on the course. Pops was always eager and willing to lend a hand to family and friends. Renovations and home improvement projects were plentiful as well as cooking for others or simply doing clean up projects. The things that are often missed or forgotten about were noticed and simply taken care of by Pops.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ronna; three sons and their partners: Garn and Nancy, Jim and Treena, and Pat and Nancy; his beautiful grandchildren: Amber, Eric, Jarrod, Campbell, Soren and Maewenn as well as his stubborn sisters-in-law, Jo (Gary), Pat (Jeff), Merla and a crew of amazing nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Bill (Merla) and his beautiful grandson, Prescott both of whom most certainly greeted him with a huge hug at the pearly gates.

The family, and in particular, Ronna would like to acknowledge and thank the following people and organizations who helped navigate Jim's disease:

● Dr. M. Chaloupka whose excellent care and consistent efforts to make sure we survived the struggles of our health care system made Jim’s journey manageable

● The Alzheimer Society’s Caregiver Support Group whose members and Gillian supported Ronna every step of the way

● Saskatoon Home Support and especially Marlyss.

● Palliative Home Care, who went above and beyond to help Jim find comfort and peace in his final hours on this earth.

Special acknowledgments to our unbelievable family and friends who have walked this walk with Jim and I, always at our side, never hesitating to do what it took to maintain Jim’s quality of life.

JR’s celebration of life will be on Saturday, November 9th at 1:00pm at Morning Glory - Acadia McKague’s Funeral Home located at 915 Acadia Drive.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's society (linked) or to palliative home care in Saskatoon. If you have any stories or memories of Jim please share a hard copy for the family at the service. Those attending will also be invited to share during the service.