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Richard Leslie Whitehead Obituary
On Wednesday, December 25, 1946, a crisp Christmas morning, Richard Leslie Whitehead was born to Leslie and Gladys Whitehead in Toronto, Ontario. What a wonderful gift for his 3 sisters, Gloria, Shirley and Donna.
The family moved to Vancouver, British Columbia when Rick was just a toddler. He was a playful little guy that was always getting into something. One day he lost his brand-new shoes while playing in the sawdust bin and everyone had to stop and help him find them. They lived in Vancouver for about 1 year before moving to Metchosin on Vancouver Island where he spent most of his younger years.
Rick was the apple of his mother’s eye. She loved to sing to him. Some of Rick’s favorite songs were the George of the Jungle song and Georgie Porgie pudding and pie. As much as he loved his mom’s singing, her treats were a close second. He enjoyed her peanut butter ice cream, and he would do almost anything to get a hold of her cookies. Gladys would bake and then hide the treats in a container up somewhere high so Rick couldn’t reach them. She would put a note in the container saying, “keep your cotton-picking fingers out of the cookies…this means you Ricky!!” He loved her very much.
As a teenager Rick enjoyed working on cars, doing woodworking and fishing. He wasn’t a fan of going to school though. He often spent the days walking along the railroad tracks or sneaking over to Gloria’s house to hang out. His mom knew she could always find Rick there.
He developed a love for music and even played an electric guitar for a while. His artists of choice were Santana and Quincy Jones. In later years he was a fan of Dire Straits and Def Leopard. Rick’s favorite song was Sultans of Swing, and he was known to play that CD over and over in the gravel truck.
As with any teenager, it wasn’t always easy to get Rick out of bed but once you did, he had an amazing work ethic. He always brought his big smile and mischievous personality with him when he would go to work at his dad’s restaurant, The Carousel Restaurant, and later on as part of the many paving crews he was a part of.
Rick’s laugh was infectious! It sounded like Ernie from Sesame Street, and the more he laughed, the harder it made everyone around him laugh. He had a knack for making friends and putting everyone at ease.
There weren’t many things Rick didn’t like but he absolutely HATED pizza, bbq sauce and diet coke however, Rick was totally in love with his family. He spent many hours with his son Richard Jr on the road when he was long hauling. Father and son went on many trips together but on one trip in 1987 they ended up in Edmonton and got to see the Stanley Cup at the West Edmonton Mall. Richard always wanted to be just like his dad. He would wear “cowboy” shirts just like his dad wore and learned to be a hard worker by watching Rick on the job. When Richard got the chance to spend the summer working with Rick chip sealing up at Muncho Lake, he jumped at the opportunity. The evenings at Muncho Lake were spent fishing off the dock. Rick caught a huge rainbow trout and proceeded to boast to the guys at work about this big fish and his abilities as a fisherman. He soon regretted that as the dock was full of his fellow workmates from then on. Both Rick and Richard enjoyed that special time together.
Not only was Rick a gifted fisherman, but he was very handy at many things. From fixing cars, trucks, plumbing, electrical and almost anything around the house, he was always willing to help anyone in a bind.
Rick had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren Izzy and Beth. He cherished their visits and the girls often commented that Papa makes the best lunches!!
Rick was a very special man. He made the world a better place simply by being in it.
Rick is lovingly remembered by his wife Shelia; son Richard (Electra); granddaughters Isabella and Bethany; sisters Gloria, Shirley and Donna (Ralph); as well as numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
Rick was predeceased by his spouse Christina; parents Leslie and Gladys Whitehead.
Rick’s family would like to invite everyone to help celebrate his life on Saturday, August 24, 2024, between1:00pm – 8:00pm, at 401 96 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC.
Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium
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December 25 1946
June 16 2024
reynars funeral home & crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Dawson, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice Richard Leslie Whitehead December 25 1946
June 16 2024
obituaries notice Richard Leslie Whitehead December 25 1946
June 16 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Richard Leslie Whitehead December 25 1946
June 16 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
