Richard was born and raised in Windsor. He graduated from Kennedy Collegiate and went on to obtain his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Windsor.
Richard was an excellent golfer but hopes of turning professional were put aside when his dad wanted him to join in the golf business at Woodall Golf Centre. Richard thoroughly enjoyed every part of the business from the driving range, Par 3 and goofy golf to the pro shop sales. He had many interesting stories about the celebrities (Frankie Avalon, Sonny and Cher, Christie Minstrals to name a few), that came in from the busy days at the Elmwood Casino (a popular nightclub across Dougall Ave.) to hit a bucket of balls or to take a turn on the Par 3. Sammy Davis Jr. got everyone laughing when he came in complaining that his wedge was up in a tree on the course. He had thrown it to the next hole but it became entangled in the tree. Then he used his putter to try and bring down the wedge. While everyone laughed at the scene Sammy presented, he told them to stop laughing as their flagpole was up there too.
Richard was active in the community and loved Windsor. He believed in giving back to his city and was involved in many different organizations; from the Jaycees, to the Greater Windsor Foundation,Rotary, Life after 50, City of Windsor Seniors Advisory, Iona College and Meals on Wheels to name just a few. He liked to tell the story, that for a very brief period (due to some odd regulations) as President of the Greater Windsor Foundation he owned the decorative necklace lighting on the Ambassador Bridge.
Richard was president of the Windsor Roseland Rotary and went on to become the Assistant Governor of Rotary District 6400. Richard and his wife, Earline, did some of their travelling with the Rotary Friendship Exchange and their trip to South Africa remained one of their travelling highlights. Richard was an Honourary Life Member of the Rotary Club of LaSalle which he co-founded.
When the Woodall Golf Centre property sold, Richard moved on to retail. He retired when he was young enough to enjoy his family and to travel with Earline. Richard and Earline joined the Antique Golf Collectors Society and had fun participating in their golf events with Richard wearing plus 4's and using hickory shafted golf clubs.
He learned to fly airplanes, tried kayaking and skiing, and was fortunate enough to sleep in tents and tree houses during an African safari, walk the Great Wall of China and tour Asia. Travel took him all over Europe, to the the Pyramids of Egypt, the coast of South Africa and on many cruises including the Mediterranean, Carribean and touring Alaska as well as seeing all of Canada.
When he wasn’t travelling, he loved to spend his time doing volunteer work and serving on committees and boards where he always enjoyed being part of anything that made things better for people. Sundays, it was all about family and watching the golf.
Richard was very much a family man. He and Earline have been married for 54 years. He was very involved in the lives of his son, Rick, his favourite daughter-in-law, Tanya, his daughter, Shauna, his son-in-law, Ron, his granddaughters Shelby and EmmaSerena and his grandsons, Josh and Allan. He is survived by his younger brother Bill. They will remember him and cherish their memories for the rest of their lives.