May 29, 1967 - July 4, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Richard "Dick" Bentley Ray Richards announces his passing on Saturday, July 4, 2020 in the Stettler hospital at the age of 53. The world has lost a great father, son, brother and leader.
Dick was born May 29, 1967 at Canadian Airforce Base Downsview in Ontario to Ron and Carol Richards. He grew up in Stettler, Alberta with his siblings, Kim and Derrick. He attended the University of Calgary earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. An enthusiastic lover of life, Dick traveled the globe, visiting many continents, but he was proud to live in Stettler and always returned home.
In his 20s Dick joined the Co-operators Insurance family, recently celebrating 29 years, where he built a thriving business and made lifelong friends.
Dick was the life of the party, and always had something funny to say. He had an open and generous heart, which expanded when he married Dianna and brought Nova, Devon and Lyndon into his home and later together they added Jaden, Lucas, Tyson & Kenya. Married for 14 years they remained close friends demonstrating that love can take many forms. Dick was a regular spectator at all the kids sporting events and loved to cheer them on in whatever they were doing. If you asked Dick what was most important in life, he would tell you to always put family first.
The Stettler community was a huge part of Dick's life, through Kinsmen, sporting events and politics. Dick served as an elected official in Stettler for 15.5 years. First on the Town Council from 2002-2009 then as mayor from 2009-2017. During his time in public service he was involved in many projects including the Stettler skate park and most recently in ensuring access to life saving dialysis at the Stettler Hospital.
Dick was preceded in death by his mother Carol, his son Jaden, and his brother Derrick. He is survived by his children: Nova (Ryan), Devon, Lyndon (Barrett), Luke, Tyson and Kenya; grandchildren Foster and Blakely; father Ron Richards; sister Kim (Bob) Conlon; sister in law Kim Richards; nephews: Cody (Emma), Brandon and Sam; Dianna Richards; other relatives and many dear friends and colleagues.
Funeral services were held at the Stettler Funeral Home on Thursday, July 9th at 2 pm. Dick was laid to rest in Lake View Cemetery, with Pallbearers Rick Pankiw, Vern Dickau, Joe Letourneau, Brad Baltimore, Bob Conlon, Cody Richards and Guy Chapman.
People wishing to honor Dick's lifelong commitment to family and community can donate to the Heartland Youth Centre or any local children's charity.
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403-742-3422