(Hugh) Rice Honeywell

Rice “graduated” on Saturday, August 31, 2024 after a brave fight with cancer.

Born in Montreal, Quebec to Bruce and Kathleen (Ross) Honeywell. He had roots in Port Credit, Oakville, and Willowdale (North York) Ontario. Rice was predeceased by his sister Kay Lesueur (Henri) and his first wife Helen Grace Honeywell (nee Spicer) whom he met while both were studying music at U of T. In 1955 he married Helen and raised 5 children, with 13 grandchildren added to the family over the years.

During his entire life, Rice tried to live by Moral Re-Armament's (MRA) 4 principles; 'Absolute Honesty, Purity, Unselfishness and Love’. Rice will be sadly missed for his humour and his loving spirit as well as for his music.

He was adored by his 5 children and his grandchildren. Meri Dai Edwards (Edwin, grandchildren: Sarah (Michael), Emily, Mark (Stephanie); James Bruce (Nola and Estelle); William Rice (Catherine, Hanlan (Maria), Jessica, Shannon, Nate; Keith (Marianne, Alex (Sumeet) and Ethan); Stephen Roger (Ann, Effie and Rowan). He was also loved by his nieces and nephews, Dag, Genevieve and Nick Spicer; Grace Liddell and Rick Lesueur.

Rice re-married Nancy Rose Honeywell (nee Crawford) of Boston in 2001 and they lived in Ocean Park (Surrey, BC) for 21 years until they moved to Crescent Gardens Retirement Community in 2022. Together, and through music, they enjoyed a rich social life but also faced the many challenges of life together, with great humour and courage.

For Rice, music was essential. At age 18, he ‘jumped in’ to play (once) with Louis Armstrong while in Montreal. The Port Credit High School song, which he wrote, is still used to this day.

In business, he started at Heintzman Pianos’ flagship store in Toronto, opening their Willowdale branch in 1957. In 1975, Rice purchased Avenue Organs and Pianos in Willowdale and he and Helen successfully operated this store together for 25 years. In 1990, they semi-retired and moved to Surrey, BC. Together, they created the ‘White Rock Traditional Jazz Society’ which has been active for 33 years. In following Helen's tradition (after her untimely death), Rice and Nancy kept the jazz society doors open for 18 summers. Rice’s jazz band, ‘Red Beans and Rice’ travelled to China in 1994 as part of a BC Trade Mission and played in Tiananmen Square. It was one of his fondest musical experiences.

Rice was always filled with gratitude for having 5 kids and for their accomplishments in life. Always the encourager. He was also very grateful for the opportunity to make people feel happy with his music his entire life. A legacy he passed on to many people young and old.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the #240 Crescent Beach Legion; 2643 128th St., Surrey, BC V4A 3W6 on Sunday September 22nd, 2024 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm.

Please consider donations to organizations supported by Rice, in lieu of flowers:

Children Believe: www.childrenbelieve.ca (formerly Christian Children’s Fund of Canada)

White Rock Traditional Jazz Society: www.whiterockjazz.ca

Hospice Society: www.peacearchhospice.org