Arnold Leopold daCosta

Dick is survived by his wife of 30 years, Caroline Hansen, his brothers Granville daCosta, Gladstone daCosta (Ruby), Noel daCosta (Jackie) and his sister Marjorie Anne. Lovingly remembered by his children David daCosta, Stephanie daCosta (Manon), Karen Hansen (Jeff), Steven Hansen (Shannon) and step son Michael Brazier (Karin). He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Nicole Coppaway (Evan), Joe daCosta (Corrie), Matthew Kelly, Dylan daCosta, David daCosta, Andrew Hansen (Kristin), Alyssa Barlow, Dakota Cowper and Gabriel Dyck as well as his great grandchildren Khala, Caeleb, Rowan, Isaac, Gavin, Sophia, Ella and Anthony.

Dick is predeceased by his son, Andrew daCosta (Angie) and sister, Phyllis “Cherry” Dunkley.

Dick was born in Kingston, Jamaica to Granville and Ivy Pauline daCosta. He graduated from King’s College in Jamaica and then immigrated to Canada to further his studies in Chemistry at the University of New Brunswick. As a young man he was an amateur theater enthusiast who enjoyed acting, dancing and directing.

He began his career in chemistry, conducting cancer research at Montreal University and then moving into the petrochemical industry, working as a chemist first for Gulf Oil Canada in Montreal and then for Imperial Oil in Sarnia, Ontario. Retiring from Imperial Oil in 1999 after 25 dedicated years, Dick and Caroline settled lakeside near Peterborough, Ontario.

Dick lent his skills and talents as a volunteer to the communities he lived in and was a charter member of the Rotary Sarnia Breakfast Club and later served as the President of the Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield Rotary Club. He also served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Ferghana Condominiums in Peterborough.

Dick had a life-long passion for playing tennis and badminton, belonging to the Sarnia Tennis Club and the Quaker Park Tennis Club in Peterborough. He also enjoyed photography and excelled at taking beautiful photos of wildflowers and scenic views from around the world. Dick enjoyed traveling with Caroline and they ventured to many places and enjoyed many cruises together. He also took up the art of Tai Chi in his later years and was an avid sudoku and crossword puzzle solver.

For the past two years of his life, Dick battled dementia and relocated to the Hamilton area to reside at Ridgeview Long Term Care. His family greatly appreciates the love and support he received while there.

A Celebration of Dick’s life will take place at Steven Hansen’s home on Saturday, April 29th at 1654 Gazelle Trail, Lakefield, Ontario K0L 2H0 between 11AM and 2PM. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s name (A. L. daCosta) to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.

Online condolences can be left at cresmountfennellchapel.com