Rickard was born in Kenora on December 17th, 1929 to parents Theodore and Emelia Cederwall. He was the third youngest of sixteen children raised on the family farm in Pellatt. Hard work and the values of family and faith were an intricate part of Rickard’s upbringing and his adult life. Rickard met the love of his life and soulmate, Violet Kaszubski, at a local wedding. At that moment Rickard knew he met the woman he was going to marry and told his sister, “if I don’t marry Violet then I am not getting married”. Dad’s dream came true on September 6th, 1957 when they were married.
Rickard was a natural athlete. At an early age dad cross country skied at their family farm, learned to box and skate. He belonged to the Pellatt hockey team and was a competitive player. Hockey and skating remained life long passions for dad. Rickard took judo lessons as an adult and his competitive nature came through again. Rickard loved all things to do with nature and the outdoors. Fishing, hunting, swimming, boating and snowmobiling with the family and friends, as well as daily long walks with mom were but a few of his activities. Dad was musically talented and could play many instruments by ear. However, dad’s true love was the harmonica. As dad’s closest friend, Uncle Gordie endured many hours of his practising. Like many of his brothers and sisters, dad was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. Our home was always filled with music.
Rickard started a long, dedicated working career of 32 years, as a truly gifted hoisting engineer at the local pulp and paper mill. He loved and always appreciated his job and often told us what a great place it was to work. Rickard never took anything or anyone for granted and he felt truly blessed to have such a great career in his home town that he loved.
Rickard and Vi lived in their family home for 64 years, which was built by dad and his brothers. Over the years they raised their family of two daughters, Trudy and Janis, and numerous pets with the same love and faith that dad and mom shared together. Our family home was always filled with love, laughter, people and teasing (as all who knew dad could appreciate his fast sense of humour and the fun prankster in him). Dad and mom always opened their home and hearts to everyone and were always happiest with friends and family around. When people speak of a ‘gentleman’ that best describes dad as he was a truly gentle man with a loving heart and a beautiful smile.
Rickard was naturally gifted in so many areas, he could build, repair, operate any machinery and solve any problems that came his way. Dad loved being part of the guys and often his nephews would comment that they thought that dad was one of them, and forgot that he was their uncle, as he was always there working beside them.
Rickard and Vi bought their dream lot on Coney Island in 1980. Dad started clearing the property by hand with a chainsaw and over 37 years created our cherished second home. Dad’s vision for our family camp was amazing. He managed to create a beautiful sanctuary for all of us as he continued to work full time at the mill. Dad and mom enjoyed welcoming and entertaining everyone who came to camp.
Rickard retired from the mill after 32 dedicated years and found a new competitive love for both golfing and curling. Dad had a great golf foursome which included himself, Uncle John , Herbie Trent and Roy Coltman. This crazy, senior foursome could be found twice a week at Beauty Bay Golf course. Many laughs could be heard as they discussed their score keeping and game over a drink. Dad was a life long member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, his faith in the Lord was eternal and steadfast. Dad also was a 54 year member of the Lake of the Woods Elks, a member the Beauty Bay Senior Golf Club and both the Keewatin and Kenora Curling Clubs.
Dad was definitely a homebody but he and mom enjoyed their trips to Las Vegas and Hawaii Like most outings once you got dad there he was the life of the party
Rickard underwent multiple surgeries over his lifetime. His faith, strength and love for his family brought him through all of them. Dad’s sense of humour and love of life never changed, he was grateful for every day. We were so blessed for the many years and memories together. He will be forever loved and missed by his family.
Rickard was predeceased by his parents Theodore and Emelia, brothers: Harry (Anne), Everett (Anne), Edwin (Betty), Eric (Jean), Edmund (Rose), Elmer (Julie), Edward (Gladys), Rudolph (Victoria), Gordon (Betty), sisters: Astrid (Edward), Violet (Rickard), Elsie (Vern), Edna (Charles), Ethel (George), Evelyn (Eric), and in-laws Joseph and Mary Kaszubski as well as some nieces and nephews.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife and soulmate of 64 years Vi, daughters Trudy (Tom), Janis, sister and brother-in-law Anna and John Riediger as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A Letter From Heaven
When tomorrow starts without me and I’m not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today;
While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me as much as I love you;
And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart
For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.
Alena Hakala Meadows
We would like to thank Dr. Bowerman for his compassionate and dedicated care of dad and mom. Our mom would also like to thank Jennifer at the Medical Center for all that she did. Many thanks to our cousins and their spouses, friends and neighbours who unconditionally stepped in to help mom as she cared for dad during the past couple of years. A special thank you to Cory Jinkerson of Brown’s Funeral Home. Your compassion, patience, knowledge and professionalism helped us through this difficult time. We are forever grateful and love you all.
As per Rickard’s request cremation has taken place and no service will be held.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Cederwall family.
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