The family regrets to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Richard on Saturday, October 1, 2022, in his 82nd year.
Beloved husband of Audrey Harrison (nee Thomson) for almost 59 years. He was the loving father of the late Bruce Harrison (Maggie Missere). Richard was a proud bonus father of Kenny, Lori, Craig, and Niki. Much loved grandfather of Jason (Leanne), Scott, Jeff (Cristina), late Barry, and Diane (Chris). Grandpa figure to Mike. Cherished great-grandpa of Noah and Evan Missere. Predeceased by his parents Wilmer and Marjorie Harrison. Dear brother of the late Audrey Curtis (late Jim) and Joanne Smith. Brother-in-law of the late Ethel Cole (Jack), late Marlene Harrison, late Charles Thomson (Donna) and Paul Smith (Sue). Special uncle of the late Johnny Cole, Donna Lovell (Peter), Linda Cole, Debbie Ritchie, Bev Menary (James), Jeff Thomson (Anne-Marie), Megan Thomson, Stephen Curtis (Sue), Philip Curtis, Aaron Curtis (Carolyn), Anna Croce, Chris Smith (Michelle), and Kevin Smith (Kristen). Amazing great-uncle to Melissa, Timmy, Patty, Jimmy, Trevor, Krystal, Jamie, Keaton, Melyssa, Macklem, Ben, Nick, Nathan, Alyssa, Austin, and Elliot, and great-great uncle to many. Special friend of Ray and Marian Hackney and Bruce Harris who he named his son after.
Richard touched the lives of so many people over the years. Born November 8, 1940 in Exeter he was the only son of his parents. On November 9th ,1963 he married his wife Audrey and on May 8th, 1964 they had their only son Richard Bruce. They have lived many places throughout the years before settling in Sault Ste Marie in 1967. In November of 1989 he became a first-time grandpa to Richard Barry who died at only two days old and in 1991 he became a grandpa to his “Grandpest” Diane. In 1997 he gained three handsome grandsons Jason, Scott, Jeff. In 2005 he became a doting great grandpa to Noah and Evan. He was so proud of his family and friends and was cherished by so many people. He always had to be a bug to those he loved as that’s how he showed his affection to them. He always found a way to get in Diane's hair knowing that she would tell him “Stop being a pest”. He never bragged about anything unless it was beating his Grandpest at a game of cards but she would always dish it out to him if she was to win the next time. He was a hero for his nephew Jeff. Through their travels they became very good friends of the late Earl and his wife June Schleyer. Richard served as Training Officer for the 155 Air Cadet Squadron at the Armories for many years. He had cadets that remembered him years after he was their training officer and would come and talk with him when they would see him out and about. In the late 1980s he was one of the co-founders of the Bushplane Museum. In the years that he was an airplane mechanic he enjoyed the places he lived and had many great experiences. He traveled as far as the Antarctica, Churchill, Manitoba, and many other places. He enjoyed skiing up until about ten years ago, travelling to Banff to ski with friends and family. He was also on the ski patrol for several years at Searchmont and enjoyed every minute of it. In 1999 they bought a motorhome and took Diane on many trips with it including a wonderful trip to Newfoundland in the summer of 2002. He enjoyed his camping at Sunset Shores where he had many bonfires and beers with family and friends. He loved attending family functions and was a real loving family man who would go out of his way to help when they needed it. He was lucky enough to see his only granddaughter graduate from the PSW course in June 2022 and witness her get her first job. He loved all his grandkids and would’ve done anything to make sure they were happy and healthy. He was a cancer survivor but he didn’t let that get to him and always kept a positive attitude. The family is saddened with such a sudden loss but are comforted by the fact he is at peace. The family would like to thank all their friends for being there at this time of need and are grateful for each and every one of you!
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522) on Thursday, October 27, 2022 between 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Funeral service will take place in the chapel on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:00 am with Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to the Bushplane Museum or a charity of choice would be greatly appreciated. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery following the service. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com