Richard Rich
RICH Richard Charles April 30, 1955 – July 16, 2019 Richard Charles Rich (Killick) passed peacefully away at the Health Science’s center in St. John’s, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by parents: Susan (nee Broomfield) and George Riche; Dorcas Mackenzie and Rod Williams, great-granddaughter Nixie Penton; Mother and Father In-Law: Mary & Douglas Gosse. Leaving to mourn his loving wife Marie Rich; his daughters Dawn (Winston Blake), Janice (Edward Vardy Jr), Angela (Jaime Berrocal C), Rochelle (Dave Culleton). Also leaving to mourn his cherished grandchildren: Tera, Joseph, Samuel, Ethan, Abbygael, Alicia, Lucas, Holly, Dominic, Logan & Sofia; great-grandchildren: Caylen & Freya. His Sisters: Irene Oliver, Winnifred (Dolly) McCutcheon, Brothers: Austin Williams, Charlie Williams, & Ronnie Hopkins. Although we mourn Richard’s death, we also celebrate his life. Richard lived life to the fullest and in his own way. He was an avid politician, who loved Labrador and his community of Rigolet. He was a counselor and past mayor of Rigolet. He fought for Inuit rights, and residential school survivors. He touched many lives and will be missed. Many people were touched by his love of family and friends of Labrador and especially his home community of Rigolet. In the 1970’s he was on the committee that organized the first community government in Rigolet. And he served on the community government for most of those years and recently served as the Deputy AngajukKak. Keith Watts says “Richard was instrumental in establishing the Torngat Fisheries Co-op.” He served 39 years on the Board in positions such as Director, President, Vice-president, as well as on the Executive of the Board, and was currently Secretary of the Board. Keith also said “Richard had a keen interest and passion for the fishery” and he received numerous awards for his volunteer service and dedication to Torngat Fisheries Co-op. Richard was awarded the Queens Jubilee medal for service to Labrador. Wally Andersen said “Richard was interested in more than service to his community of Rigolet and the North Coast” for which he received many awards. He began service on the transportation committee beginning in the 1990’s where he pushed for a roll-on, roll-off ferry service for the North Coast of Labrador, which finally began in 2019. Wally said “What he would remember most about Richard was friendship, and that he was friendly with everyone and that he would go to a heated meeting, and when the meeting was over he was friends with everyone and never held a grudge.” He was presented with the Wayne Earle award by the Combined Councils of Labrador in 2012. He served on too many Municipal, Regional & Provincial committees to name them all. His family is proud of his accomplishments. The family would like to thank all staff of Groswater Bay Clinic, Nursing staff and Home Care workers at DHSD Office in Rigolet (Nunatsiavut); the Doctors and Nursing staff at the Labrador Health Center in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the CCU unit at the Health Sciences in St. John’s. Special thanks to those in the community of Rigolet who went above and beyond and helped him during his illness. Cremation has taken place. Visitations at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue, St. John’s on Thursday, July 18, 2019 from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. Memorial Service will be at St. Andrew’s in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Sunday July 21st at 4 p.m. Memorial Service to follow in Rigolet at a later date. Richard LOVED children! In lieu of flowers, donations accepted to the Lake Melville Shrine Club, PO Box 212, Stn C Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL A0P 1C0. To view online guestbook or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.barretts.ca