Born in the tiny hamlet of Islay, Alberta to Fred and Helen, Richard grew up a “pioneer” living a nomadic lifestyle and riding horses to school (uphill both ways!)
If that wasn’t enough, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age, which in those days involved boiling needles on the stove and guesstimating his insulin dose.
After completing training in electrical technology at SAIT, he decided to move across the country, accepting a job with Atomic Energy in Deep River, Ontario. That decision paid dividends as it was there that he met the love of his life, Marilyn. Despite being referred to as “just a little guy” by her family, they married in 1966.
Overcoming the tragic loss of their first child, Stevan, they went on to raise three more children. The young family moved to Alberta where, as a devoted father, he spent countless hours driving the kids to their numerous sporting events – never missing one. Lasting memories include camping vacations in a cramped tent trailer and family games nights.
As time went on, he developed further roles including all-around handy man, vacation planner extraordinaire and chief researcher for any consumer purchase. He graciously shared all of these skills with numerous family and friends.
After retirement, Richard and Marilyn enjoyed traveling to far off destinations (including Australia and Europe) with close friends, being a grandfather and spending even more time supporting the second love of his life, the Edmonton Oilers.
With grace and courage he faced the final challenge of his life. After a sudden and brief battle with brain cancer, he was called to join his Heavenly Father while embraced by the love of his family.
He is survived and dearly missed by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn; children: Kristine (Jacqui), Terry (Joanna) and Michael; grandchildren: Kaden and Kian; sister: Barbara (Dave) Adams, as well as numerous relatives and friends.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 200 Boundary Road, Spruce Grove, AB. The mass will be streamed live through a link from the Serenity Funeral Home: distantlink.com/SerenitySG.html
If friends desire, Memorial Donations can be made in Richard’s name to Light Up Your Life Society (Stony Plain) or the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of SCHIPPER Richard Peter July 20 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta