Richard Derrick Keepence

Richard Keepence was born November 24, 1956, in Hamm Germany to Catherine (nee Cuthbert) and Ivor "Dick" Keepence. The fourth of seven children five girls and two boys. He grew up mainly in Wales before moving to Canada in 1972 at the age of 16. Richard had no shortage of interests and hobbies. He enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing with his brother and/or father. He also had interests in radio controlled planes/boats, music, crib, cars, and DJ'ing. Known as a jack of all trades he worked in just about every field imaginable. He owned businesses in computer software, TV repair, and Janitorial work. He also worked as; an activity aid to seniors, small engine mechanic, and an English as a second language teacher in Poland. Perhaps one of his longest stints was as a professional driver included a gig with Young's Coca-Cola, ice road trucking, and driving the activity bus for seniors as Ross Place. Richard had a kind heart always taking in people down on their luck. He often put others before himself. His empathy felt no end it seemed he could feel others pain as if it were his own. After a few cases of bad luck with his health, Richard eventually started going blind at the age of 49 due to a large AVM in his brain. By the age of 50, he was considered legally blind. This left him unable to work. After many years it also left him with some cognitive impairment. Throughout these years he continued to laugh and enjoy his independence. He looked forward to getting outside every day and any time spent with family and friends. April 4, 2018 he was admitted to emergency at Royal Jubilee Hospital. After a tense night, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with severe pneumonia. It was at this time we learned unknown to him he had been battling very aggressive small cell lung Cancer. He passed away peacefully with his family at his side on April 7, 2018. Richard is pre-deceased by his parents Catherine and Dick Keepence and his loving sister Sandra Mansell. He is survived by his daughter Natasha. His brother and sisters; Kenny (Pinky), Christine Neale (Phil), Barbara Bowles (Ken), Patricia Leung, and Leslie Hunter (John). As well as many nephews, nieces, cousins and good friends including; Beth Keepence, David Black, Bozena Keepence, and David "Tiny" James. In lieu of flowers please make donations to a cancer fund dear to your heart.