Condolences
Everyone loved Rics great sense of humour. Just such beautiful energy with that cheeky little twinkle in his eye. All the guys on our Mighty McKnight old timers hockey club loved Ric. Sincere condolences to all family and friends. We’ll always have the memories he left us.
Jimmy Hughes
A Fond Memory of Ric to share:
Ric had a penchant for giving nicknames to people he worked with at Shell. In my case, it was “The Professor”. How this came about still makes me chuckle.
Before Shell moved their Head Office from Toronto, Ric was transferred to a management position in Shell Resources Calgary. To celebrate, a number of systems folks got together with Ric at a restaurant/bar in the Ontario Hydro building on University Avenue. After a period of speeches and libations, Ric and I ended up at a table alone.
Seizing on the opportunity to demonstrate my analytical abilities and visionary intellect, I proceeded to describe to Ric my theory for how Shell’s systems should function.
To do so, I used props while I ranted on, covering the table with napkins, salt and pepper shakers, glasses and bowls, moving them around to convey the roadmap for systems success.
Ric was quiet until I finished. I asked him what he thought, waiting for the confirmation I knew would come that he was truly impressed.
He looked at me, and said in a calm voice: “Bill, if you had only used a beer bottle in your presentation, I would have understood everything you just said”. Then he smiled, and winked. That defined Ric.
Looking back now, I still have no clue as to what I said. But from that day forward, Ric called me ‘Professor Bill’, and we laughed about it every time we got together.
My condolences go out to Ric and Connie's family. Ric was one of my first work and life mentor's when I started my Shell career. Seeing his picture here brings back a lot of great memories and reading his tributes proves to me that Ric lived a very authentic life. Ric was a smart businessman a good athlete, and a social leader. I remember him telling me that I would not be able to party like him when I became his age, because I was partying with him now. Ric will be happy to know that I have tried to keep up the traditions he instilled in me by organizing fun outings with our gang. Reminiscing about Ric with friends the same themes keep coming up, laughter, jokes, pranks, and more often than not a pie in the face. :-) It is always too soon to say good bye but I know Ric's journey touched a lot of people, and that is the sign of living a good life.
Brian Sarkadi
I was saddened to hear of Ric's (and Connie's) passing. Ric was the driving force behind so many awesome events that we were able to partake in during our leisure time. Most memorable among them were a number of bus trips to Whitefish Montana for golfing and other activities. He provided a great outlet for many of us who worked at Shell in the 80s. Thinking of you all. Sincerely, Ron Pelkey
It is with great sadness to learn of the passing of both Ric and Connie. I spent a lot of time laughing and enjoying life with Ric. I always enjoyed being in Connie’s presence. She certainly gave him strength.
Our sincere condolences to their family.
Susan and Joe Ellis
I met Rick when he was dating Connie. He was a real gentleman, and I am glad I got to know him. I am Connie's cousin from the Belleville, Ontario area, now living near Ottawa. So sorry for your loss, but your memories of your father will alway be with you. Joan Johnston (nee Chisholm)
I send sincere sympathy and condolences to Ric’s family. I knew Ric at Shell Canada and always enjoyed his quick wit and fun-loving approach to work. But I also appreciated his willingness to listen carefully and share his knowledge and ideas. I hadn’t bumped into Ric for quite some time but I remember him fondly.
Sending my most positive thoughts and energy to all of you who will miss him so much.
Jan Rowley
Retired from Shell Canada 2009
To the Family of Ric. Bonnie and I were part of the Shell IT group, and knew Ric as the legend he was. From parties, get togethers, golf trips and celebrations, Ric was one of a kind. His 'joke' club kept all us retirees connected, even though we were dispersed and had moved on to other things.
May you be comforted in your time of grief to know that he was an icon for everyone. His memory will be forever present to those who knew him and shared in his life..
Bill and Bonnie Haughton
Creston, BC.
Copyright © Funeraltech 2019