Richard Charles Volkes

Richard was born in Liverpool, England on March 31, 1946. He grew up in Chatham, Ontario but then moved, with his family, to Sudbury, Ontario. While in Sudbury, Richard graduated from Teachers College and taught Junior High School.

In 1967, Richard moved to Glace Bay, Nova Scotia to support the activities of the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He loved teaching others about the wonderful future for mankind promised in the Bible.

Shortly after moving to Nova Scotia, he found employment with Canadian Tire. He worked in both the Glace Bay and Sydney locations in various roles.

It was in Glace Bay where he met his future wife, Phyllis Chislett. They married on August 10, 1968. Together, they welcomed four children; Kristen Volkes, Jonathan Volkes (Tammy), Eden Gouthro (Roy) and Rowena Gouthro (Sander). In 2006, he was thrilled to welcome his granddaughter, Chiara Gouthro, to the family.

Richard is also survived by his younger siblings Margaret Blanchard (Earl), David Volkes (Linda); Jennifer Volkes; Judy Tincombe (Terrance) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick “Fred” and Elsie Volkes (Hutchinson), and his youngest brother, Gerald Volkes.

Richard loved his family very, very much and we will miss him dearly. His faith and love made him a special man who affected more lives than can be mentioned.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, 3:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 257 Reserve Street, Glace Bay, NS. Those unable to attend may view the service through Zoom. Meeting ID: 790 751 2173 Password: 500 406.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting pattenfuneral.com