Richard Michael Gratton

Father, husband, friend.

Richard Michael Gratton, 68, passed away unexpectedly after a short but courageous battle with cancer on Monday, September 29, 2025. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Jack and Ethel Gratton.

Rick obtained his Automotive Service Technician and Truck and Coach Technician in 1980 and stayed in the automotive field until his retirement in 2024. Although he only had two certified trade tickets he could have obtained many more because he could fix or build anything. He applied his many skills to all he did and shared his knowledge with friends and families – never refusing to answer a technical question – especially if it was a GM!

However, it was outside the shop that you saw Rick shine - fishing, hunting, sledding, trapping, wood cutting. In his pre-father days he volunteered with the J & M fire department, played under water hockey, licensed scuba diving and water skied as often as he could!

Once he became a father, he then focused on giving Sam and his friends all the adventures he had growing up in Central Park. Mason & Tristen wrote this to Rick:

Thank you for all you did for us. There was a new adventure every weekend. Tubing at Mud Island; miles and miles being towed on GT Racers on snow and grass; sledding to Silver Birch for a burger; quadding down 314; building a hockey rink with boards and lights on the Irish’s pond; garage hockey where no penalties were called; tearing down a beaver dam and even crawling into bear dens! Passing on your knowledge so we could repair our own vehicles, quads and snowmachines. Then there were the Soft Air Gun wars! You never took any prisoners! And after each adventure there were your famous blueberry pancakes with strawberry jam and whip cream. Of course, there were rules – no sleeping in – there was too much to do and don’t tell your parents! You also taught us a new language – who knew the “f” word could be a noun, verb, and adjective. When we hear the phrases “Dumbass, You’re killing me Smalls! and Ticky Tacky”, they will always bring a smile to our faces.

Rick, you were a role model for us all and showed us what a father and husband should be. We are extremely grateful for everything you did for us and we owe you the world. You taught us so much and we know we would not be the young men we are today without you in our lives. Thank you, we will miss you every day and will watch out for Marie and Sam.

Rick will be missed by Marie and their son Sam and his sister Diane (Brian). Thank you to all his friends and family who supported him during his illness. Rick valued all his friendships as many were lifelong. Each has many memories of their own adventures with Rick (Dicky) and hope you keep those close as we grieve his passing.

As per Rick’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a gathering at the family home on Ritchie Road will be planned at a later date.

We leave with you some choice phrases to bring a smile to your face. Rick had the exterior of a grumpy guy but had a heart of gold who loved to laugh and make you laugh!

• Fireworks, the bigger the better and who could forget the foam cups!

• MGD - Nectar of the gods! Lambs Dark Navy – puts hair on your chest

• Like a gazelle! In the boat, the woods, on the roof!

• “Mason, whatever you do, do not open that freezer!”

• “Not the good wood”

• The Maple Leafs and Minnesota Vikings – this will be the year!

• Kumbaya – one too many rums

• When ELO music played – sorry Terry, you’re not winning tonight!

• That’s not Classic Rock!

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 starting at 1pm at the Family home, 267 Ritchie Road. Friends and Family are invited to join Marie and Sam in remembering Rick around a bonfire and his favorite place, his garage!