In Loving Memory of

Richard Southworth

of Edmonton
Jan 21, 2022

 

 

I had the great pleasure of being Dick and Donna's next door neighbour for the past 30 years. Dick was a true gentleman and was never to busy to chat with me. His public activism, energy, positive attitude and zest for life is inspirational to me.
posted by Wesley Slavik : Dick's next door neighbour for the past 30 years : Feb 09, 2022

 

To Scott, Joy and Dick's family. As President of the Probus Club of Central Edmonton and on behalf of its members, I extend sincere condolences on your loss. Dick was a member of many groups and we were lucky to have him as member of ours. He served as President and was recognized for his quiet and gentle approach to our club, but was effective in promoting its activities. He made friends readily and was always more interested in those to whom he talked, rather than talk about his own achievements. He died doing what he loved and we are all saddened by his passing but better for having known him.
posted by Paul Greenwood : Dick was a long time member of The PROBUS Club of Central Edmonton and I am currently its President : Feb 04, 2022

 

Dear Scott, Joy and Dick's extended family, It was with great regret that I saw the announcement in Saturday's paper, as Dick was the last of my father's (Nick Leskiw) friends to pass. You may recall that Dick and my Father began their friendship through Local Bargaining for Calgary Public in the 1970's. Scott and Joy, you may recall your family spending some time with the Leskiw Family at out cottage on Lake Isle, where we first met. Although many years have passed, and we have not seen each other, I had the good fortune to have your Dad pop into my life throughout my teaching career and we were able to form our own relationship. The first time was when you Dad spend a summer writing water literacy resources for the SEEDS foundation (I was a first year ED student, and acting as a writer's assistant). I enjoyed many opportunities during that summer to be reintroduced to your Dad's great sense of humour and hear of his many diverse interests including that dinner club with David Lunn. We managed to keep in touch through the annual Science Council Conference, and Diploma exam marking sessions. Most recently, (4 years ago) it was with great pleasure that I saw him walking down the hallway of Jasper Place High School where he attended Rotary Club meetings. I looked forward to seeing him monthly and sharing a few words. Although his death was sudden, I take some solace in that it occurred while he was enjoying the outdoors, and an activity he loved. We should all be so rewarded when it is our time to go. I will always remember Dick for his courtesy, openness, great sense of humour, and how good a friend he was to my father and to me though these many years. Take care, and best wishes to all of you.
posted by Dan Leskiw : Friend : Feb 01, 2022

 

I am sad to see Dick passed away and will miss our pleasant and entertaining bump in visits on the lanes or side streets of Crestwood. He was always ready to share news about family and community. A very gracious man who seemed to put others in focus rather than himself. My thought are with you in your time of grief.
posted by Chris Davies : Crestwood connection and through Scott's MS150 riding adventures. : Jan 31, 2022

 

Scott, Joy, and family I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was an incredible man and a good friend. I worked with your dad for many years at Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund and I volunteered with him and your mom at Kiwanis as well as the Bissell Centre. I also attended a few events at the Crestwood Community Hall with your mom and dad and Scott many years ago. I last saw your dad in 2019. He was his cheerful smiley self and we had a good chat. I will miss him. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
posted by Jill Bruce : I worked with him and volunteered with him and Donna and various charities. : Jan 31, 2022

 

Dear Scott and Joy, Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss of a beloved father. I got to know Dick through mutual friends in Calgary, particularly Dave and Carol Lunn. We enjoyed dinners together. More recently, because of Covid, we were able to get together on Zoom meetings and share a glass of wine, and stories of his adventures skiiing and with the family. Robert
posted by Robert Woodrow : Through mutual friends who were teacher colleagues of Dick in Calgary. : Jan 29, 2022

 

Dear Scott and Joy, We were so sadden to learn of your father's passing. I so enjoyed our visit at Arlene's before the pandemic and we had a long and wonderful phone call at the time of your Mum's passing. We could always count on your Dad for a very warm welcome and he always had a joke or story to share. May he rest in peace and may you take comfort in knowing that he lived a full and wonderful life.
posted by Jayne Border : cousin to his wife Donna : Jan 27, 2022

 

I hardly knew Dick but he was in our ski lesson group. We always met Thursday afternoon. On that day he was skiing directly behind me. I and ski instructor Joe, heard a loud thump as Dick fell. We quickly ran up to him, we called his name got a little response. At the same time Karen came down and joined us. (Karen is a retired nurse). At that moment we had to preform CPR and mouth to mouth until the Ski Patrol arrived. When the ambulance came he was taken to the UofA Hospital. We are sorry for your loss and hopefully this story gives you an insight on his moments in history. We will miss him but thank him for sharing his life.
posted by Phil Mark : Friendly Skiers : Jan 26, 2022