Richard James Duggan

time of his choosing and on his own terms, narrowly

missing St. Patrick’s Day. He was full of gratitude for his

life and the opportunity to spend time with his family as

well as his many friends who remained deeply connected

with him until the end.

Left to cherish the many memories are his wife of 40

years Maureen “Mo” and daughters Sarah Graham

(Steve) and Joannah Graham, as well as grandchildren

Joshua (Sierra), Gabriel, Sydney, and Avery. Rick was

predeceased by his mother Eleanor and his sister Kitty.

Born in Thunder Bay on May 3, 1952 to Terry and

Eleanor, Rick was the second of six children. He was a

loving brother and brother-in-law to Mike (Diane),

Maureen (Ken) MacKinlay, Terry (Bunny) and Sue (Wolf) and the best uncle to

eleven nieces and nephews.

Rick was a cultivator of many things; he grew ideas and projects, and nurtured lifelong

relationships. He was a gentle, generous and caring soul and was always

concerned for the well-being of others. As a self-professed humorist, he loved to

tease and was always up for a visit, a drink, and the opportunity to solve the

problems of the world or those of his friends and family.

While Rick earned his living as a contractor, he spent his lifetime reading, seeking

and searching for better ways for us to be good to each other, to live in a more

egalitarian society, and to ensure we left the planet in a better state. He didn’t see

hierarchy in the natural world. He delighted in his Irish, English and Metis heritage

and gained respect for diversity and Indigenous cultures during his time with the

Breakaway Hockey Foundation along with various local community and non-profit

projects.

Rick would tell his family the best two decisions he ever made in his life were to

marry Mo and buy their beautiful home. He enjoyed spending time on their patio

watching the sun set and building a roaring fire in the winter. He reveled in

entertaining friends and family and was always the last to shut down the party

whether it be a hockey party, the annual Christmas Eve bash, or a Canada Day

fireworks celebration, or just a spontaneous Friday night. Rick used to say he loved

his pooches almost as much as he loved Mo and spent many hours on the local trails

with Cleo, Skets, and most recently Maya.

Over the years Rick and Mo enjoyed trips to Sante Fe, Wenatchee, the Okanagan,

Tofino, Ucluelet, and Salt Spring Island, as well as many raucous camping

adventures. In recent years there weren’t many places he longed to explore;

however, he would have relished one more trip to George Street in St. John’s.

Sports played a big part in Rick’s life, both as a spectator and a participant. He met

the love of his life when he asked Mo to play doubles in a local tennis tournament.

Rick was the co-founder of the Free Radicals Hockey Club in 1999 and supported

the construction of the infamous ‘Pig Pen’ outdoor hockey rink. He never got to see

the Canucks win the Stanley Cup but would fondly recall his time visiting Madison

Square Gardens and the opportunity to meet ‘Burkie’. He played endless rounds on

local golf courses and even made his way to St. Andrew’s for 18 holes. Regrettably,

Rick’s only witness to his highlight reel, hole-in-one was his young grandson for

whom he trusted would vouch for him.

Rick loved his role as ‘Gramps’ and logged many hours in the den introducing his

grandchildren to Mad Max. After-school pickups and trips for hot chocolate and

cookies will not be forgotten. He instilled a love of books and offered space for

conversation and shenanigans; all done with humour and laughter.

Special thanks to Dr. Stefanyk, Dr. Calder, the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden

Memorial Hospice, as well as his ‘guardian angel’ Ashley DiGeso for their care of

Rick and his family over the past two years.

A shindig to celebrate Rick will be held at a later date. Donations to the ALS Society

are welcomed.

We will miss your anecdotes, your presence, your love and your laughter.

You will be dearly missed, cheers.