To my dearest sister and brothers,

I want you to know that writing about Richard has been an exceedingly difficult task for me . Richard was my “Shithard” (as a young child--I could not pronounce “Richard”.)

On our last day together at the Jewish General, I called you my big brother-- my Shithard. I cried in your arms as I knew it was going to be the last time I would see you. You replied…it’s ok Michael..it’s ok. I know , Richard, you knew it was going to be the last time I would see you.

Later that afternoon, while in the room, when Barb, and Lynda was there…Lynda asked , tell me a story of when you were young…first memories. I told the story, of when we watched the Frankenstein movie together. I was young and very scared. My big brother watched the movie together that night. I think I was around 6 or 7. My big brother- wrapped his arms around me—he was my protector.

Living down stairs…I can remember another memory. Richard introduced me to “steamie” hot dogs. Richard’s first car was a Ford –Console. Richard would tinker under the hood for a while. Then ,he would declare, everything is fine. Let’s go to Chez Ma Tante on Fleury! Off we would go to share time together. Richard would place the order and say..”this is my kid brother”. To this day , I still enjoy “steamies”.

Another memory –flashes in my head. Sly and the Family Stone were coming to the Montreal Forum. This was in the early 70’s. Richard picked up 3 tickets. Elaine, Richard, and I were off to see the show. I think the ticket price was around $5 each. Richard the big spender was treating his siblings. It was the 1st time Elaine and I were at a concert. We “groved” that night. We clapped, moved to the music. It was an incredible night. Later on the way home we stopped for donuts. We continued to laugh…it seemed like a magical time. What a wonderful memory—to this day when I hear a tune from this group my mind flashes back to that amazing memory-what we had together.

I left Montreal in the late 70’s. Time home was often…but our shared family times were not as frequent. But of course, special occasions like Christmas and anniversaries—we did reconnect. I remember Richard asking me to help him with the new floor install for his basement. Ok I said, but on one condition. Let Lynda take Barb out while we do the install. And that is what happened. That afternoon, you and I installed that floor. We laughed and talked and got the job done. And we often admired our work years later!

You know, for all of us, there are a thousand memories in our minds and hearts. All so endearing and special. A few I have mentioned, many will be re-visited in mind for ever. Love you Richard you will always be my “big brother”. Xoxo Michael

My first memories of my big brother Richard is the initiation that all my older siblings had to endure before me.

Saturday night, next to last out of the bath, Mom taking care of Peter the youngest at the time and Dad watching Hockey Night in Canada in the living room as I say my goodnight and then off to bed. Low and behold as I head down the hallway to the bedroom there’s Richard on his knees yet still taller than me blocking the way with his body and a pair of woolly socks on his hands as boxing gloves. He would taunt me to break through the barrier to get to the bedroom. I would have to push, fight, climb and punch as I hear Dad haler out “Go to Bed” so I went on the attack and with perseverance I managed to push through the big bully and beating him made me feel like a King.

I learned a lot that day!

Determination, perseverance, tenacity, self-esteem and to always move forward and stand up to bullies.

It may have been for fun but my big brother was teaching me a life lesson. Lessons and convictions that I remember to this day that I carry with me in my approach to life.

 Love Raymond

Richard was a member of Lord Baden Powell’s Boy Scouts.  As a Rover he and his fellow club brothers constructed a camp site across the train tracks on Industrial Blvd.  I remember going to the site in the winter and snow shoes were required to track through the deep snow and as a bonus a compass was used to find the location.  As a kid I found this amazing and the site itself was a club settlement with a log and branch lean-too, rock fire pit and an outhouse of natural beauty.

Big brother was a leader with a sense of direction.
 
Ron

Elaine....tell me a story about your brother Richard, when you were very young:


Elaine : 
1.  Oh!... I remember once, when I was about 4 or 5 years old. We were living"up-stairs" on Henault Ave. Richard decided we were going to play barber. And you know who was the 'client'.  There I sat perched on  the dining room table. Big brother Richard was cutting away my beautiful curls until Mother arrived in the room. I can't remember the consequence of this event. But, Richard was my older brother and I followed him and his instructions. 


2.  Also, we used to play, "Lion in the Cage". That meant we took the wooden play pen out and put it upside down--cage like. We then put whoever was the youngest inside our special cage. The captured sibling was left there for all to see!

3.  Back in the day, to polish the wooden floors, we used to put a woolen blanket on the floor...then take on of the youngest siblings on blanket..  the fun began as we dragged the squealing...happy kids around the rooms. We were proud..we accomplished two things...shiny floors and happy kids!  

4. One of Richards and mine...cherished secret memories...was when Mom and Dad would take the younger kids to Dad's work children's Christmas party. Left to ourselves, Richard --and I have to say, the instigator, would go find the Christmas gifts. Richard knew where to find them. In the attic! We would check them all out, ohhhh and awwww over the treasures. Then he would carefully put them back. Mom and Dad never knew until about 20 years ago...when we finally confessed what we did.