He will be remembered as a very confident, opinionated and strong-willed person.
Richie was fearless. At a young age, Richie would do handstands on stair railings, and back tucks into swimming pools, thus the beginning of his gymnastics career. He competed with the Scarborough Olympians Gym Club and Markham Gymnastics Gym Club. He won a variety of medals and honours. While in school, he was in a variety of extracurricular activities which included wrestling, track and field, and volleyball. In class and life, Richie's quick wit and humour would leave everyone laughing.
His gymnastics experience allowed him to transition seamlessly into break-dancing, which would become one of his many passions. Known as Mouse, because he was small but mighty, he joined the SuperNatural Dance Crew. After competing at a competition in California, with the crew, his talents were seen in the movie, "Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B."
Richie had a huge heart. He had many friends, both in and out of the dance community. He was always very protective of his loved ones, and would stand up to anyone bothering them. Richie was always willing to lend a hand. In the winter, he would not only shovel his driveway, but half the block as well, especially if a senior lived there. He would also mow their lawns in the summer. Richie had many talents and was a quick study. Without formal training, he could do plumbing, home demolition, renovations, gardening and roofing.
Richie loved every animal from insects to reptiles to amphibians to mammals. When he was young, he would visit Amherst Island, near Kingston, and catch frogs, garter snakes and fish. He had many pets including an alligator, a pot-bellied pig, a goose, turtles, snakes, spiders, ducks, chickens and dogs. Richie bred dogs, and would give the puppies to friends and family. He found and fostered a Canada Goose, as well as a baby seagull, named Gully, that he trained to play fetch with a tennis ball.
Richie will be sorely missed by his daughter, Makyla; mother, Wendy; brothers, family and friends.
Due to the restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, please be advised that a maximum of 40 people are permitted at visitation at a time. If you arrive and the funeral home is at maximum capacity, you will be advised to wait in your vehicle. When space is available for your family to enter the funeral home an attendant will invite you in from your vehicle. Please be prepared to provide your name and phone number. Please kindly remember to observe social distancing and wear a face mask as permitted by the City of Toronto.
The Funeral Service held for Richard will be invite only. It will begin at 10:00am Thursday, August 13, 2020.
Ritchie's funeral will be live streamed here at 10am, Thursday August 13, 2020:
https://www.distantlink.com/scion3.html
Pall Bearers:
Michael Browne
Damon Browne
Waymon Browne
Marc-Sean Browne
Paul Thorton
John Coomby
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