Rick Paradis

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Rick Paradis who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Rick was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Rick knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Rick was born on April 23, 1954 at Timmins General Hospital in Timmins, Ontario after his Mom attended a game of bingo. His parents were Therese (née Briand) and Leo Paradis. Rick was named after the hockey player "Rocket Richard" by his godfather Uncle Andre; note: Rick never played hockey. Rick was raised in Timmins until he was two then moved to Sault Ste. Marie. As a young child Rick had a stubborn streak, he would cross his arms and walk away really fast. Even as a youngster, Rick learned to be objective and decisive. Rick was the joker of the family always had something up his sleeve whether it was taking something from someone's house or turning pictures and clocks upside down waiting to see when anyone would notice. He loved his Godmother Auntie Claudette's cinnamon buns and never failed to let her know whenever he saw her. Rick not being shy loved to give everybody kisses.

      As a young boy, Rick was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Rick was raised with 3 siblings. He had one older brother, Ronald, and one older sister, Lorraine and a younger sister, Melinda. Rick had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Rick, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Rick's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Rick enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. He was a member of the Army Cadets. In his spare time he liked fish & hunt. Rick's memorable achievements included shooting his first rabbit at the age of 3.

       A logical and focused thinker, Rick was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Rick’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Bawating in 1974. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Home Economics (he being the only male in the class). The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. John Fagan (ironically they both shared the same birth date).

      Rick was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Rick was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Rick came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Rick Mooney and Brian Bougie.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Rick reveled in the security of his family. In the summer of 1976 after re-joining the 49th Field Regiment, Rick met a young Private by the name of Kim Lorraine Giddings. They dated for 3 years and on July 21, 1979 Rick & Kim exchanged wedding vows at St. Gerard Majella of Sault Ste. Marie, ON. One of Rick’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Rick was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Rick would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Rick was blessed with 2 daughters, Rebecca and Sarah. He was also blessed with 1 grandchild, Oliver.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Rick was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Rick was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. After the birth of their second daughter, Rick and Kim decided to built a new home for their growing family. On his days off with the help of a few friends, Rick built their home and they moved in March of 1988. In both his personal and professional environments, Rick upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a Professional Firefighter. He was employed for over 30 years as a Firefighter with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Rick was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Rick as well served 20 years with the Canadian Armed Forces both Regular force and Reserves. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the 49th Field Regiment from 1969 to 1974 then enrolled in the Regular Force Navy from 1974 to 1976, returned to the 49 Field Regiment then transferred to the 26 Service Battalion 1979 until he released in 1997. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Warrant Officer. He received the Canadian Decoration.

      Rick approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were playing darts, sitting by the fire in the back yard, listening to Celtic Music (especially the Celtic Women), and going for drives. Rick was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

     Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Rick to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were watching hockey playoffs, darts and curling.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Rick liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Rick was an active member of the Legion and Moose Lodge.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Rick used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Rick had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included family trip to Disney land in Florida in 1995 and the Alaska Cruise he and Kim took in September of 2007.

      Rick was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Rick’s favorites was Tiga 2 his first dog. They were best friends for 5 years. His family was rounded out by his many cats and dogs - the last being Drake a long haired black cat that just adored him - he would follow Rick every where and would know when he was home and rush to the top of the stairs to greet him and always knew when it was bedtime, all Rick had to say was 'bedtime Drake" and off he would go down the hall to the bedroom.

      When Rick’s retirement finally arrived in 2009, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been pre-planned and attended to. His new life involved staying in Sault Ste. Marie. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing darts, sitting outside in the back yard by the fire and of course spending time with daughters and his grandson Oliver. In many ways, Rick loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities. One of the newest pastimes for Rick was playing cards pretty much every night with Kim. As soon as she walked through the door after work he'd say 'want a game'? So while supper was cooking they played either 13 (a game learned from his Mom) or cribbage. For Christmas 2014, Sarah's gift was "The Paradis family card night survival kit". It consisted of pad and pens, 4 decks of cards, a bottle of Disaronno and 2 pistols that shot suction cup bullets which proved to be very useful. Rick always seemed to win the card game and this would just tick Kim right off . She would either throw the cards at him or yell at him and all Rick would do is laugh at her. So now they had the pistols which made losing so much more fun. This will especially be remembered by Kim as the night before Rick passed away, they had a rousing game of cards that ended with the pistols being fired as fast as they could be loaded. It was a fun evening, one that Kim will have fond memories of.

      Rick passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 24, 2015 at his home. He is survived by his wife Kim, his two daughters Rebecca and Sarah, his grandson Oliver, his brother Ron, sisters Lorraine and Melinda; Clyde and Lina Giddings (his in-laws); Michele Giddings (sister in-law); Denise Dokken (sister in-law). Services were held at Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.

      All who knew him would agree that Rick was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Rick Paradis did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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PARADIS, Richard Joseph – Passed away peacefully at his home on January 24, 2015. Loving husband of Kim for 35 years. Caring father of Rebecca and Sarah. Papa of Oliver. Brother of Ron (Irene), Lorraine (Roger) and Melinda (Ron). He will be missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Rick spent over 20 years as a member of the Armed Forces Reserves. Rick also served for 30 years with the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Friday, January 30, 2015 from 6-9 pm. Funeral service to be held from the chapel on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 10am. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Memorial contributions to the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON Algoma) would be greatly appreciated. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com