Richard passed peacefully on September 15th , 2022, at The Pines in Burns Lake, B.C. He was born in Calgary, Alberta, the youngest of 8 children of Mary Clough and Ranald McDonald. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings (Herb, Bob, Pru, Ronnie, Marg, Stewart and Gordon) and his wife Lornalea. Richard started school in Chemainus and lived a life of adventure after joining the Canadian Military at HMCS Malahat (Victoria). He attended basic training in Cornwallis, and met Lornalea in Gloucester. They married in Ottawa and had 3 daughters (Lee, Ruth and Lynn). He was commissioned in Esquimalt to HMCS Saskatchewan. During his military career, he travelled to Pensacola, Alert and Massett. With his family, he lived in Aklavik, Moncton, Victoria, Churchill, Bermuda, Inuvik, Gander and Ottawa. Richard joined CSE and finally CP Rail in Calgary, retiring in 2003.

Richard will be remembered for his warmth, his sense of humour and his many talents. He was a self taught guitar player, led local bands and even had a TV Spot on CHEK (The Bugs). Music was near and dear to his heart and he shared his talent willingly, bringing endless hours of joy to friends and family. Richard was a story teller, with lots of material to work with. He could talk about anything to anyone and he loved to learn new things. He built a boat in Bermuda and a house in Beiseker. After Lornalea’s passing, Richard met and married Anna, and with her help, created a beautiful home at Tchesinkut Lake, where he happily spent his final years achieving a lifelong dream to live on a peaceful waterfront property.

Richard leaves behind his loving wife Anna, his daughters Lee, Ruth (Tony) and Lynn (Ian), Anna’s daughters Melanie (Dean), Dawn and Lorelei, 7 grandchildren (Marianne, Taylor (Casey), Shelby (Doug), Patrick (May), Amanda (Mike), Michael, and Matthew), and 4 great grandchildren (Claire, Ella, Theo and Leo), along with much loved nieces and nephews, treasured friends, and his sister-in-law Sandra. He was a nice man with a quick and sharp mind, soft spoken and wise, ethical and honest. He was well liked and loved. His life has left a profound impact on all he was close to. He is dearly missed.

Special thanks for the wonderful care provided by the Pines and Doctor Annandale.

According to Richard’s wishes, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, if you can, please reach out to an old friend, say hello and remember good times. Life is precious and short. We all need each other to make this world go around with happiness.
Dad, your country roads have taken you home. XO

Online condolences can be left at www.skinnerandmiddlebrook.com