November 23, 1930 - February 5, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Richards announces his passing on February 5th, 2020. He passed away at Kelowna General Hospital with his family at his side.
Tom is lovingly remembered by Marion, his wife of 66 years, his children Brenda (Terry), Terry (Chris), Wayne, his grandchildren who knew him as Papa: Michael, Stephanie (Simon), Corey, Oben(Kim),Lauren,as well as a great grandchild Aria and extended family across Canada.
Tom was born November 23, 1930 in Campbellton, NB to Thomas and Gladys Richards (nee Day). In the early years Tom worked as a brakeman for the CNR in Montreal. He joined the Air Force and worked for 3 years as an Airframe Technician. It was while in the Air Force that he met Marion and they married in 1953 in Val Cartier, QC. From Quebec they moved to Ontario and started their family. Tom began his career in mining in Ontario and then started the family's westward migration. Their first stop west was Saskatchewan where Tom spent 4 years working at a Potash mine. From Saskatchewan they moved to BC where Tom was the purchasing agent for the Princeton Mine from 1971-1992. His work ethics, honesty and dedication was an inspiration to all that knew him. After a long and distinguished career, Tom finally retired in 1992 and moved to Osoyoos with Marion to enjoy his golden years in the sunshine.
Tom's family will never forget their annual fishing trips to Vancouver Island. Salmon and cod fishing on the ocean in a little tri-hull named Froggy was an adventure in itself! Tom's sons have continued the yearly trip to the island and so the tradition lives on.
Besides being a loving family man and dedicated employee, Tom was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and the Legion. He also spent numerous years as a Boy Scout leader. Tom had many hobbies and interests which included cars, fishing, sports, woodworking and camping. Those who knew him, know that he could never sit still; he was endlessly puttering around. He was an avid gardener and grew the best tomatoes and garlic in town! Tom loved all animals and was known to take in a stray or two. There wasn't a bird who went hungry in Tom's yard!
Tom made many friends and acquaintances throughout Canada. He was always there to lend a helping hand or lend you anything you could possibly need. His woodwork shop had as many supplies as a hardware store!
He will forever be remembered for his lively conversations and the mischievous twinkle in his eye. He passed on many great words of advice and his love, guidance, and fighting spirit will live on in us forever.