Mike Clarke.   Friend.
Our friendship spanned 50 years, with some spaces of absence in that time. we were 25-26 yrs and bullet proof when we met, Dick registered Ken to play soccer on the south slope of Van, i registered my eldest son Andrew, and coached the young boys,it was a natural fit that Dick being involved. Dick then asked me if i wanted play senior soccer, talked me into coming to a  soccer practice, we played 3plus years together, in the bc senior mens leigh.( age catching up). 
We both owened valient convertables, not the ideal familey car when you were going camping, i had a roof rack to load extra whatever, Dick used it on some of his camping trips, lightning lakes comes to mind. Our friendship was bonded.
We played golf together in the late 70- early 80.( soccer had taken its toll on both of us, age waits for no man)
I moved my family to P.G. 1980,Lorene sister lived there, Was a flying trip, but Dick and Lorene spent a few nights with us, while visiting Lorenes sister. Further bonding of our friendship.
I was in Van on business, late 80 s, Dick insisted i spend the night, too much celebration on my part. another bonding process.
Stories galore to be told, we caught up with ea other 3 yrs ago, and made a pact to have lunch once a month, we played golf together again 4-5 times, Ken joined us twice, great days together.
Dick was strong when he was told about his illness, he wasent going to give up without a fight, and boy did he put up a fight, right to the end.
The family that became his life, gave him so much joy,  the strangers that became instant friends, that developed into years of friendships, to him that was just how it should be.
His loyalty and commitment was evident in his working career, which was how it had to be,what ever he did in life.
Saying good by to Dick was difficult, but when i think of all the good conversations and laughter we had together, i was one very blessed person to have had his friendship.

You can shed tears because they are gone, or you can smile because they lived.
You can close your eyes and pray they will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that they left for you.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see them, or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember only that they are gone, or you can cherish their memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind and feel empty, or you can do what they would want.
Smile...open your heart and love.

I will forever remember the smell of your blueberry pancakes, and the smell of your pipe. Thanks for being a great papa, love you.
-Corky

Papa has played a large part in my life. He has always been and will continue to be a moral compass for me. Without even realizing it in the moment, he has taught me the important lessons in life from a young age and his love, honesty, respect and gratitude will live on as a part of his legacy for generations. I love you then, now and forever, Papa - Caitie Waitie (Squirt) 


— As a tribute to the amazing person he was, I leave these lyrics:
“I want to be the one when all is said and done, Who lived a good life, loved a good wife, Always helped someone in trouble, On the day they lay me down, I want everyone to gather around 
and say he was a father, brother, neighbour and a friend. He was a good man.”

Dick was my dad for 46 years.  He was a big part of helping form who I am today.  Thank you Dick for marrying mom and being our family.  Forever loved.

Our memories of Dick are laughter and good times. We met on a cruise ship and will cherish those memories forever. Will miss you so much Dick. 

Gord and Jan Hosking

OBITUARY

Richard "Papa" Thomas Singleton

October 10, 1945 – December 8, 2021

Hamilton Harron Funeral Home

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