Obituary of Richard Gordon Cuming

April 7, 1947 – Langenburg, Saskatchewan

March 11, 2022 - High River, Alberta

Rich took his last ride down this life’s highway on Friday, March 11, 2022, and we lost one of the “good ones”. A long-time motorcycle rider, the curving, open roads and clear, blue skies always brought him joy. His deep love for his wife Anne and their family, also encompassed a large extended family and numerous friends. He had an outgoing personality, genuine interest in people, willingness to help and mentor others, hospitable nature, prodigious memory for jokes, enthusiasm for electronics and gadgets, mechanical abilities, eclectic curiosity about the world, and zest for life. We’ll dearly miss his frequent laughter, teasing comments, welcoming smiles and wonderful hugs, along with his sarcastic wit, detailed explanations, embellished stories, off-the-cuff comments, and candid opinions.

Rich moved frequently with his parents before coming to Calgary at the age of 8. He made lifelong friendships, excelled in sports, shared in misadventures, and relished skiing the expert runs at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. In his 20’s, he motorcycled through Europe with a friend. Rich joined the Harley Owners group in the 1990’s, making close friends and memories, especially on trips to Sturgis, South Dakota. Reunions and holidays with Anne’s large family included boating and fishing at Namew and Tobin lakes, celebrations at the family home north of Carrot River, SK, plus visits across Canada and overseas. A recent highlight was our vacation to Italy with friends. 

Soon after taking two years of post-secondary accounting classes, Rich began a successful 35-year career with Motorola Communications Ltd in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. Colleagues became good friends, sharing business travel, golf tournaments, award trips and perhaps a few escapades. Following early retirement, Rich spent ten years employed by FNF and BMW.

During his sons’ teen years, he helped coach their softball and soccer teams; later he assisted with raising funds for myeloma research in Calgary.  Rich greatly enjoyed his recent 5-year volunteer role with AHS at the Rockyview Hospital. His regular donations to the Salvation Army honoured his mother’s 25 years of volunteer service with them.

Rich and Anne moved to High River in October 2020, with plans to enjoy motorcycling, holiday travels, volunteering, and visiting with family and friends. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in November 2021. 

Rich is survived by Anne, his soulmate of 44 years; his sons, Shane and Scott (Hilary); and three grandchildren, Asher (Tyla), Reilly and Alexa. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews, an aunt, his cousins and families, as well as numerous good friends and colleagues.

He was predeceased by his parents, Evelyn and Gordon Cuming; his grandparents, four aunts, four uncles, five brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, a nephew and his parents-in-law.

A Celebration of Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Cuming's service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, designated for lung cancer research, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca.

In living memory of Rich Cuming, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to View Richard Cuming's Memorial Card

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