Dearly loved husband of Sue, and “Father Dearest” to Rick (Carla), Zerena, Stewart (Jen), and Jess, Richard spent his life in BC from his birth in Kelowna on September 6, 1944, to his passing on October 25, 2012, in the Bulkley Valley.
He grew up in Salmon Arm, B.C., and his long career with the Forest Service took him across the province, including the Queen Charlotte Islands, the Bulkley Valley, Horsefly and Hazelton.
Richard spent most of his time outdoors, hunting, fishing, building roads, establishing plantations and fighting forest fires. In recent years, Richard spent winters on his trap line near the family farm in Quick. With bootlaces flapping and a roll of flagging tape hanging out of a pocket, Richard covered thousands of miles of the province’s most remote regions. He had a deep knowledge of BC’s wilderness and great respect for it, which he passed on to many colleagues, family members and friends.
Richard also travelled widely across Canada and in Europe and Africa and spent many hours reading about and debating world affairs and politics. At ease whether determining road layouts or reciting poetry, Richard told good stories, wry jokes and enjoyed working on community projects, helping out neighbours and visiting with friends near and far.
Richard is sorely missed by his sister Wendy Banta of Smithers, brothers Ian and Greg (Terry) of Salmon Arm, grandchildren Gavin, Caysen, Linden and Abbigael, and nieces, nephews and many friends.
Donations in Richard’s memory can be made to the Round Lake Community Association (care of Treasurer Mary Hall, 11687 Round Lake Rd., Telkwa BC, V0J 2X2) or Northern Health Home and Community Care at the Bulkley Valley District Hospital, Smithers.
His life was gentle, and the elements
So mixed in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world: “This was a man!”
William Shakespeare