Rick Commanda

When you’re young you never imagine having to say goodbye to your parent someday. I believe I am lucky to be able to pay tribute to my dad. It is with heavy hearts we will say farewell to my father Rick (Richard) Commanda.

Born to Mary Commanda in Toronto on Oct 9, 1950. He fought against all odds and became the man we all know him to be today. Strong, tough, and determined! He was always fighting for the underdog.

To say there was a better father would be nearly impossible. No matter what happened or where life took us, we could always come ‘home’. My Mom and Dad worked hard to give us a wonderful childhood with incredible memories, and many filled with laughs of great times gone by.

From his many years of hockey and slo pitch with The Stingers, his love for F-1, the Toronto Maple Leafs (even if he hated to admit it haha) to the Toronto Blue Jays he was a die-hard fan…despite the lack of championship trophies…

He was who I (we) could go to with any problem and he would fix it and help you through it. He was a wonderful provider of many things in our life, and for that we are forever grateful. Being a good problem solver also led him to his career of more than 50 years in the automotive industry. Almost 41 of those at Barry Cullen in Guelph. Finally retiring last August at 73, a well-deserved opportunity for rest and enjoyment.

He will be forever and sadly missed by his family. His wife Kelly of 50 years and life partner for 53! His daughters Keri (Graham) and Kori (Brian) and Brinx (dog).

He led a heroic battle but succumbed to complications of stroke. “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me”. Prayers are always welcomed, and donations to Guelph General Hospital and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated. The family will not be receiving, and no funeral arrangements made. A celebration of life with will be done so privately, thank you for your understanding.