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Dr. Richard Goulding Obituary
On the morning of November 1, 2024, our world was shattered when we lost the man who was the center of our universe; Dr. Richard Goulding, known affectionately as Rick, Ricky G or Dr. G to friends, family, colleagues and students.
Rick was many things to many people.
He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, poppy, colleague, neighbour and friend.
As a single dad to Sarah (Jamie Fairchild) and Aaron (Hridisha Arif) he learned many valuable life skills that he put to good use over the years such as braiding Sarah’s long black hair and baking bagels with Aaron. As a threesome, they made a lifetime of beautiful memories. When his grandchildren came along, he became the most attentive Poppy to Paisley and Luca.
In 2003 he met Kelly, the love of his life, and suddenly everything changed. The dining room was no longer a place to park the bikes and camping gear. In its place was a dining table and china cabinet…a foreshadowing of what was to come… a much-coveted invitation for supper at Chez Goulding was an experience not to be missed as Kelly and Rick worked side by side to ensure their guests were treated to a feast that would rival the finest restaurant. (And not a bike to be seen!)
Kelly and Rick truly were soulmates; it was rare to find one without the other. They lived their best life travelling, cooking, kayaking, running, renovating, hosting family and friends and gardening…lots and lots of gardening. Rick referred to himself as the “Accidental Gardener” as Kelly’s brute force and number one sidekick in building their magnificent garden. They shared 21 beautiful, fun filled years together with many more adventures planned until their dreams were cut short by pancreatic cancer.
Rick was a physicist, having completed his PhD at UNB before returning to Newfoundland to teach at MUN. In his 32-year teaching career, he imparted his passion for all things space, time, energy and matter to thousands of young minds; often utilizing unconventional methods of instruction such as juggling and making ice cream with dry ice. His fascination with prime numbers had a way of creeping into his lectures and his quips, puns and one-liners were legendary. He heard from many former students that his antics at the lectern were a turning point in their understanding and appreciation of physics.
Rick’s true passion was teaching. He believed that every student had a story, and he loved to hear their stories. He took great pride in supporting and getting to know his students with a goal of helping them achieve their dreams. He became a trusted advisor and lifelong friend as evidenced by the number of former students who kept in contact with him long after they made their way in the world. He was kind, conscientious and hardworking, and his legacy is one of mentorship, given the meaningful impact he had on thousands of young lives. In 2022 Rick received the MUN President’s Award for exemplary employees for which he was honoured, but he was most proud to receive the Dean of Science Distinguished Teaching award in that same year. He also took great pride and pleasure in his involvement with the Provincial and National Science fairs as a judge and chief judge over the course of 25 years.
Rick was a physicist, but he took pride in his other vocations as well. While he could calculate centripetal force with ease, he was equally adept at renovating the bathroom, building a fence, crafting a concrete countertop, installing a thermostat or fixing the car. He certainly did not embody the stereotypical nerdy physicist because as they say around here “he could put the arse in a cat”. His newly acquired hobby was wood carving, and he had produced some beautiful pieces. When he wasn’t working with his hands, he could often be found playing his fiddle or in an apron, trying new sour dough techniques, expertly assembling artisan pizzas or looming large over his Big Green Egg. He proudly wore the title “King of the BBQ”.
Rick was constantly in a state of motion; whether it was riding his motorcycle or e-bike, hiking, daily walks, riding the world’s fastest train, skating, snowshoeing, chasing the grandkids, or running. He completed 9 marathons, and he always talked about number 10 but this was not to be. When he relaxed, it was often at a local coffee shop or downtown establishment because he was a big believer in supporting local business.
Rick was born in Gander to Mary (Dooley) and Harold Goulding (deceased). He grew up on Memorial Drive, the oldest of five boys who kept life hopping for Harold and Mary. Sweet Bay held a special place for the family and the cabin was the site of many beach fires, singalongs and big feeds.
He will be dearly missed by his mother Mary, brothers Ron (Terry Moore), Gerry (Wendy), Sean (Deirdre) Lorne (Darlene). In-laws Paul and Bonnie Abbott and sisters in-law Lacee (Guiseppe Diana), Cheryl (Brian Philpott), Stephanie (Josh Caines). Aunts, uncles and cousins from the Goulding, Dooley and Abbott family and many cherished friends.
We would like to thank Dr. Joel Koops, Dr. Stewart Rorke, Dr. Doulton and staff at the Dr. H Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre and The Community Paramedicine Program for your compassion and care. The outpouring of support from family and friends far and wide during his short illness made the dark days brighter and always brought a smile or a much-needed chuckle.
There will be a celebration of life on Friday November 8, 2024, at the BellaVista at 5 pm to honour the man whose departure has left a huge void in our lives. Please join us as we celebrate the beautiful life that was Dr. Richard Goulding. If you knew Rick, you know he loved to socialize so it is fitting that we remember him with tributes, followed by an evening of camaraderie and conversation.
Rick was a big supporter of food banks, and in particular the MUN Campus foodbank. He witnessed firsthand how some students struggle to make ends meet, often having little or nothing to spend on food at the end of the day. Therefore, we ask anyone wishing to honour his memory to do so by following Rick’s example in helping your local food bank. To this end, there will be a happy hour for students, colleagues, family and friends at Bitters Pub and Restaurant at MUN on Thursday November 14, 2024, from 5-7 pm as a fundraiser for the MUN Campus foodbank. We ask that you bring along a non-perishable food item or make a cash donation.
Donations in his memory can also be made at any time to the Dr. H Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation or MUN Campus Foodbank.
“ Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” Albert Einstein
“ Physics is Everything” Gabe
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2024
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N
death notice Dr Richard Goulding 2024
obituaries notice Dr Richard Goulding 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dr Richard Goulding 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
