Obituary of Richard Neville Coleman

Richard Neville Coleman, beloved husband of Muriel Coleman of Calgary, passed away on Friday, November 2, 2007 at the age of 79 years. Richard was born in Essex, England, the only child of Gertrude and Norman Coleman. He was proud to serve in the Royal Air Force. He married the love of his life, Muriel Bradbury, on July 28, 1951. In 1956, they immigrated to Canada and settled in Calgary. They worked hard to establish a home to welcome Donald in 1959 and Valerie in 1962. Richard loved the outdoors and there were many days of picnics, hiking, cross country skiing, and exploring in the mountains. Gardening was another passion which was obvious to anyone who saw his garden. Richard followed family tendencies and was an accomplished painter. He had a lifelong love of trains and built an extensive model train display at home. He also enjoyed being involved with the Rocky Mountain Rail Society, serving as membership chairman and editor of the newsletter. Golf was another pastime he enjoyed tremendously. Richard worked as a chemical engineer for Shell Canada at the Jumping Pound Gas Plant, ensuring the surrounding countryside was protected. He retired in 1984 and he and Muriel enjoyed many travels all over the world, with Australia being a real favourite. Family was of utmost importance to Richard and he treasured each of his four granddaughters. He was always curious and sought to understand. He became a mentor to many. Richard was a true gentleman and will be dearly missed by his family and friends all over the world. Besides his loving wife Muriel, Richard is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Robert Marko and their children, Erin and Alison of Calgary; daughter-in-law Wendy Coleman and her children, Jeana and Lindsay of Lethbridge as well as several other family members in Canada, England, and Australia. He was predeceased by his son Donald in 1997. Funeral Services will be held at St. Barnabas’ Anglican Church (1407 – 7th Avenue N.W.) on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. If so desired, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com In living memory of Richard Coleman, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.