Albert (Bert) Hamilton Richards slept peacefully away on April 16, 2004 in the Palliative Care Unit in the Ashcroft & District Hospital, Ashcroft, BC with his wife Anne and stepdaughter Sandra August at his side.
A celebration of life service was held on Thursday, April 22 in Ashcroft with Rev. Clayton Moorhouse officiating.
Bert was born on July 4, 1927 in Sturgeon Valley, Saskatchewan. He worked for several families doing chores and cooking in lumber camps until he was 24, he then moved to Edmonton. Bert’s main work was in the oil fields as a heavy-duty mechanic and warranty/service manager for several companies. Bert’s hobbies included skiing, dancing, refinishing furniture, gardening and tree farming at his in-laws farm in Evansburg, which made for a busy and interesting life.
In 1990 Bert retired to Ashcroft to enjoy the climate and to grow gardens. Bert and his brother Milo had four market gardens together growing mainly potatoes, tomatoes and corn. Milo was his guide to his winter hobby - Ice fishing and eagle watching.
Bert was secretary and treasurer for the Ashcroft Fall Fair Society. In these years, many blue ribbons were won for vegetables, fruits, canning, baking and roses.
On April 9, 1994 he and Anne (Cahoon-Cannon) were married in the Zion United Church in Ashcroft. They traveled throughout the interior of BC, visiting the Hot Springs and exploring the many old mining sites, but gardening, family get togethers and alternate health care issues were his main interests. Bert was a devoted father, husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather and friend to many.
Bert is survived by his second wife Anne, son Dean (Brenda), grandchildren Ashley, Kate and Tess all of Whitbey, Ontario; daughter Dianne of Vancouver, sister Doreen (Glenn) Mainland, brothers frank (Kathy), Ralph (Dorothy) and numerous Nieces, nephews and 3 step-children, 8 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-granchildren in Ontario.
His former wife Annie, his father Thomas, mother Jane and brothers Earl and Milo predeceased Bert.
Bert will be remembered for his kindness, generosity of spirit, his bountiful gardens, fruit trees, amazing roses and his delicious biscuits.
At Bert’s request, in lieu of flowers donations to the Ashcroft & District Health Site Auxiliary, Box 356, Ashcroft, BC, V0K 1A0 to help maintain and develop the flower and herb garden would be appreciated.
The Open Door
I have come- to the end of this road,
The setting sun goes down with ease.
This lifetime completed- I must move on,
A new door has opened for me.
Our hearts will be sad, but only for a while,
Life continues for you, and for me.
So dry those tears and know I am here,
On my journey to grow and be.
Our hearts are ever connected,
Though we have reached a fork in the road,
Love transcends everything,
Miss me... then let me go.
DJ Smoke
Thompson Valley Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.