Obituary of Richard Ian Westley Priest

January 12, 1961 – London, England

December 25, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

With broken hearts and great sadness, we announce the passing of Richard Ian Priest on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at the age of 61 years, after a lengthy and difficult illness.

Richard is survived by his wife Cathy, sons Evan and Shea; mother Pat Priest, sister Virginia Boyd (Jim), and many extended family members who he loved deeply.  He was predeceased by his dad Ian Priest.

Richard was the most loving husband to his wife Cathy and wonderful father to his sons Evan and Shea.  He made sure we knew how much he loved us until his last breath.  Nothing mattered more to Richard than the love for his family. He was vibrant, compassionate, and lit up every room he walked into with his love and passion for life. His energy was contagious and filled our life with joy and many unforgettable adventures.

Richard had a brilliant mind and excelled in his Land Development career. His career was cut short, but his passion remained strong. His accomplishments and impact on others made his family so proud.   

Richard’s happiest times were spent travelling with his family and watching his boys play sports. He was a natural and gifted athlete who could often be found in nature either running, jogging, biking, or chasing his kids and every other kid on the block.

 No words can adequately express how much he loved and adored his sons. He was loving, nurturing, and patient with them and nothing took priority over them. There are no words sufficient enough to express how much we love you and miss you.  We have lost our hero, dad, and husband, and are filled with tremendous loss and emptiness. We will continue to honour Richard by living our lives with joy and passion.

Special thanks to Bethany Riverview for their outstanding care and kindness.  We are forever grateful to friends and family who supported and loved Richard, but most of all, continuously supported his family along this journey.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Richard’s memory directly to the Bethany Care Foundation, #100, 2915 – 26th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2B 2W6 Telephone: (403) 210-4600, email: bcf@bethanycare.com.

Photos, condolences, and memories can be shared and viewed here. A memorial service will not be held, but we will gather to celebrate Richard’s life at a later date.

In living memory of Richard Priest, 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.