It is with broken hearts and much sadness that we announce the passing of Rick. He passed away quickly but peacefully and surrounded by love on February 14th in Digby General Hospital. His battle with cancer was short but mighty. He pushed through and fought hard right until the end.
Rick was born on June 24, 1956 in Toronto, ON to Harry and Lois (Barr) Wagner. He was a fisherman for most of his adult life but for the last 20+ years had been lobster fishing in St. Mary’s Bay with his son Dale by his side. Being on the water did not feel like work to Rick. It was his favorite place to be and made his last trip as recently as February 1st.
Rick was a devoted family man, husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He loved to tell stories and make people laugh with his sarcasm and humor. In earlier years he loved to play hockey and golf; was an avid card player and surprisingly for a big guy had a beautiful singing voice. More recently Rick could be found at horse shows all over south west nova scotia watching his granddaughter Brooklyn race her ponies with his grandson “mini me” Drew as his sidekick.
Rick is survived by the love of his life and wife of 44 years Terry (Thurber) Wagner, daughter Nancy Johnson (Robert Whalley), son Dale and wife Vanessa Pulley. His grandchildren and pride and joy – Brooklyn and Drew Johnson and their dad Jonathan. Mother Lois, brothers Larry and Harry, sister Linda (Theodore) Marr. Father in-law Roy (Freda) Thurber, sisters in law Marylou (Barry) O’Neil, Nancy Thurber. Brother in law Alan Thurber (Christiane Theriault) and many special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Harry, brother Robert and mother in law Mary (Fitzgerald) Thurber.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 22nd from 2 – 4pm at the Clare Golf & Country Club (423 P F Comeau Rd, Comeauville, NS). It will be an afternoon of mingling, remembering and storytelling.
Donations in Rick’s memory can be made to Digby County Exhibition, Weymouth Minor Baseball, Clare Digby Minor Hockey or Clare Golf & Country Club.
Rick was always a giving person; he continued that in death through the gift of eye and tissue donation.
The family would like to thank Dr. Karma Murphy, the nurses on the Oncology Unit at Yarmouth Regional Hospital, nurses and staff at Digby General Hospital, Palliative Care and VON. Special thanks to Hubert d’Entremont who has been a huge help and given us so much support and guidance during this journey and continues to do so.
Share a memory or leave a condolence at: www.jaynesweymouth.com
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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