Richard (Dick) passed away peacefully on November 5, 2014 with his family and special friends at his side. He was predeceased by his wife Sheila, son-in-law Doug Cottrell and brother Paul. He is survived by his sister Mary Hurst and children, Debbie Cottrell, David (Shelagh) and Kim Anderson (Reid) along with 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Richard was fortunate to grow up on Kingston Row adjacent to the Winnipeg Canoe Club (WCC), which later had a major impact on his young adult life. He had a passion for both academics and athletics. He skipped grades graduating ahead of his time then joining an accounting firm to attain his Chartered Accountancy Degree. This bode him well as he, along with brother Paul, became the driving force in establishing the family company Quinton’s Cleaners as a household name in Winnipeg.
As a young man he was an avid hockey player in the winter and gained a reputation as a paddler at the WCC in the summer, managing to win the 65 mile le Voyageur race numerous times (one with brother Paul) culminating with a qualifier for the Olympics. In his early twenties, the golf bug caught his attention. He loved the challenge of the game ‘you never can win’ and established so many lifelong friends and experiences. He was always proud of his home course Niakwa where he took many opportunities to compete, and later became one of the founding members of the Mundie Putter league which today is still a sought after title by all clubs. He captured the Manitoba Senior championship more than once but found true golfing pleasure in his frequent trips to the Old Country with family and friends, eventually becoming a member of St. Andrews. For over 50 years Richard and Sheila found pleasure and beauty visiting the island of Kauai.
Although he had many personal accomplishments, his true deep seeded passion and love was his family, which came first. Always there to support any activity they became interested in, including some that were quite unusual to him. Many times he would give that warm smile, a little jab, and then be set to do anything that was required, never asking for anything in return. You always felt comfortable asking for support knowing he would remain calm and steadfast with any request.
Along with his wife Sheila and their three children (later their grandchildren as well) the family spent many wonderful times at Victoria Beach. Memories that live on forever in a place where time seem to stand still.
We are sure he will be wearing that smile knowing that the family tradition of time shared together remains with us and continues to strengthen. Many times we would hear him referred to as “a true gentleman”. He will take that wonderful trait with him as he continues along his journey, knowing he has had a life well lived, leaving the world a better place.
Words will not do justice for the dedication and care shown by his special friends and companions Tina, Marte and Sara.
A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Cathedral, 135 Anderson Avenue on Wednesday, November 19th, 2014 at 11:00 am. Flowers are gratefully declined, but if you wish to make a donation to the Salvation Army or Children’s Wish Foundation, the family would be most appreciative.
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