Obituary of Richard Kent Hone

February 23, 1943 – Pangman, Saskatchewan

December 10, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Richard Kent Hone was born on February 23, 1943, in Pangman, Saskatchewan. He served Jehovah God faithfully since his baptism in 1953, at the International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses in New York City’s Yankee Stadium. He passed peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side on Sunday, December 10, 2023.

Rick is survived by his wife, Joy, his children Vance (Vicky), Vanda Favaro (Frank), Blair (Lauren), and Byron (Kaye); his grandsons, Dylan and Jack; and his sister Shirley Grey (Corky, predeceased), as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Edna Hone; and his sisters Rena Holmes (Milton) and Olive Gamble (Lyle).

Rick’s family moved to Sudbury, Ontario when he was a teenager. He enjoyed spending time with his brothers-in-law at their service station. He grew up very close to his nieces and nephews and most have stories of Rick’s antics and games. He also loved to have an audience for his stories. In Sudbury, Rick met Joy Hutchison and they married on October 3, 1964. They were great friends and raised their four children together for 59 years. Rick spent most of his career in education. He started teaching in Sudbury at MacLeod Public School then taught in Sundre, Alberta, at Sudbury Secondary School, and ended his career at SAIT in Calgary, Alberta. He planned multiple trips with students to the Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario. When he retired, Rick and Joy moved to Stratford where he attended the plays that he loved and taught.

He was open about his struggles with depression and anxiety. His personal and public comments in the congregation helped many who faced similar struggles. He also received much encouragement during visits from friends in the congregations he attended.

Vance, Vanda, Blair, and Byron remember a dad who they spent whole summers with and who encouraged their creative writing, music, and any hobbies to do with technology. Multiple road trips across Canada and camping adventures leave them with many memories and stories. His children’s spouses and friends appreciated his dry sense of humour and the open affection he showed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses - South Auditorium (270 Midpark Way SE, Calgary, AB T2X 1J6). Arrangements will be made for livestreaming. Please contact the family for these details.

If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Worldwide Work of Jehovah’s Witnesses at https://donate.jw.org/ui/E/donate-home.html#/donate, or any charity of your choice.

In living memory of Richard Hone, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.