Obituary of Richard David Whitford

May 19, 1943 – Fort Smith, Northwest Territories

August 19, 2024 – Cochrane, Alberta

Richard D. Whitford, beloved husband of Betty Whitford (nee Bigelow), passed away on August 19, 2024, at the age of 81 years, in Cochrane, AB.

Richard was born on May 19, 1943, in Fort Smith, NT. He was a residential school survivor. As a youth, he worked on the summer barges, in forestry and then made his way north where he started working in Yellowknife and Behchoko. Richard and Betty were married in 1971. He was a leader for indigenous people in the NWT, a politician, and an entrepreneur. He retired with his wife Betty to Cochrane in 1992.

Richard will be remembered for sharing his plethora of stories—anytime and anywhere. He celebrated 20 years of sobriety and had great pride in his children and grandchildren. Richard had a passion for sports and politics—whether he was in the action, supporting the teams or watching on the sidelines. He also is remembered for his Christmas village—shared with family, friends and the community for over fifty years.

He is survived by his wife Betty, children, Belinda (Tyler), Judy, and Richard Jr.; grandchildren, Nikolas and Sophie; granddog Noda, brothers, Tony (Elaine) and Marc (Linda); as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his mother Emelia Gratrix-Mercredi, brothers, Dewey and Norman; and sister Margaret (Leo).

The family would like to thank the staff at the Peter Lougheed Centre and Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Cochrane Homecare, and Cochrane EMS for their care and support and ensuring Richard had a high quality of life in the last few years.

Richard will be laid to rest in Yellowknife, NT, and a Prayer Service will be held at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral (5206 52 Street, Yellowknife, NT) on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the Baker Community Centre (5710 - 50th Avenue, Yellowknife, NT). A livestream of the service will be available at www.mckennafuneralhome.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca.or to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 Telephone: (403) 255-6108, www.kidney.ca. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Richard’s family here.

In living memory of Richard Whitford, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.