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RICHARD BALFOUR (DICK) EARL

September 21, 2013

EarlObitWEB

Richard Balfour (Dick) Earl of Salmon Arm, BC, made his transition on September 21, 2013 at age 90. Affectionately known over the years as “RB”, Richard was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, grew up in Portage la Prairie and later moved to Anglemont, BC to fulfill his lifelong dream of living in a log house in “the bush”.

Throughout his life, Richard immersed himself in nature. He was a softie for four-legged creatures both wild and tame. Richard loved swimming and being on the water in anything that would float! He enjoyed fishing, hunting ducks in the Manitoba marshes and the adventure of piloting his plane over the prairies, through the Rockies, and to sunny island destinations. Over the years, Richard’s hobby of “tinkering” evolved into intricate wood carving, most recently of a life-size Hawaiian outrigger canoe.

Richard was an avid businessman all his life, most notably in A&W Drive-Ins. He was a longtime member of Rotary and a champion of the St. Lucia School for the Blind and World Vision. Richard would hope to have “made a difference” in this life by sharing his passion for studying spirituality and metaphysics, particularly the work of Eckhart Tolle. And those who knew Dick will remember that he never lacked for words! This exchange gave Richard one of his greatest life pleasures.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Clarinda, of Salmon Arm. Also celebrating his life and lessons are his former wife, June, of Victoria, three children, Pam of Miami, FL, Rick (Diana) of Nanaimo and Rob (Maureen) of Calgary, his step-daughter Linda and his “other sons”, Robert (Darlene) and Mitchell, all of Winnipeg. Richard’s grandchildren include Jordana, Shawn, Brendon, Nicolas, Lynn, Tyler and Carlin; step-grandchildren include Tricia, Christina, Kaitlin and Jordan, and step-great grandchildren are Nikki and Riana. Richard leaves one niece, “Patty”, and six great nieces and nephews. Predeceasing Richard and joyfully welcoming him on this next phase of his journey are his Mum Edythe and Dad Harold, step-father “Pop”, granddaughter Cailey, brother John, niece Lynne and little David Lesley.

Heartfelt thanks go to the staff of Hillside Village, Salmon Arm.

The family requests no flowers, but suggests that Richard would appreciate donations to the Salvation Army or Operation Smile.

A Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held in the Mountainside Room of Bowers Funeral Service, 440 10th St. S.W., Salmon Arm, at 2:00 pm, Sunday, October 27th, with sharing of memories to take place at 3:00 pm. For those friends who cannot attend, Richard’s family invites you to raise a glass at “wine time” in his memory; Richard will enthusiastically join you in Spirit!

Online condolences can be sent through Richard’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com



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