In Memoriam

David Edward Richards passed away most unexpectedly on Aug. 5, 2022. Dave was predeceased by his wife of 36 years, Elizabeth Anne Christie, and youngest son, Michael Edward Richards. Dave leaves behind his loving wife of 24 years, Martha; and his children: Peter Richards (Corinne), Jane Brebner (Jim), and Leslie Richards; grandchildren: Kyle (Kate), Annie, Andrew, Callahan, Chloe, Brooke, Jack, Cole, and Ryan; stepchildren: Michele Young (Ted), Mac Plymale (Cassie); grandchildren: Malena, Camryn, Ari, and Caleigh. Also survived by his sister Margo Bulmer, sister-in-law Marlene Wilson, brother-in-law James Christie, and wife, Kathy, and their families.

Dave was born in Chatham, Ont., then lived his formative years in Chicago, Illinois, and Hamburg, N.Y. From there, the family moved to Lambeth, where Dave worked hard and played hard until he moved to Florida in 1997.

Dave had a very successful career in frozen food. He grew up the son of a pioneer in the frozen vegetable industry — his work life highlighted by his tenure at Produce Supply and as vice president of Algonquin Mercantile (Hardee Farms). In 1983, Dave ventured out as a founding partner of Strathroy Foods; a leading grower, processor, and packager of frozen vegetables. He successfully led the business until it was sold.

Dave was passionate about sports. His natural athleticism and competitive spirit led him to enjoy a successful high school career as a football/basketball player at London South Collegiate Institute. After South, he went on to play for the Queen’s Golden Gaels football team as quarterback and defensive back (1956 -1960). He always spoke fondly of his time at Queen’s and of the lifelong friends he made while a student.

Following university, he developed his skills as a strong skier/golfer. He loved his long-standing membership at the London Hunt Club, until he took up playing at Prestwick Golf Club in Florida. Dave also played squash/tennis and was a fan of the Detroit Lions. He was extremely supportive of his children’s athletic endeavours, rink-side and courtside.

Dave lived out his last 25 years in Ormond Beach, Florida. He and Martha have a lovely home that they generously shared with family members; the grandchildren have fond memories of trips down south to enjoy the sun, surf, and golf with grandpa and oma. In 1998, Dave became an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). He consistently attended his group meetings, often taking on the role of sponsor.

Dave will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and AA community. He will be remembered for his kindness, easy smile, and calm, sweet nature.

Donalda Margaret McGeachy, née Campbell. She was 102. She is missed and loved by her four children: Lynn, Joan, Neil, and Ruth; her six grandchildren: Jana (Mike), Kristin (Mike), Dave (Leslie), Diane, Cynthia, and Cameron; and her seven great-grandchildren:  Journey, Camden, Lucas, Ben, Maddox, Nolan, and Mako. She was predeceased by her parents Milton and Hazel (née Dixon) Campbell and her brothers George and twins Wallace and Doug.

Donna lived an interesting life filled with opportunity, creativity and great changes. Although she was a “big city lady” who loved Toronto, Donna was fiercely proud of her pioneer beginning in Pelly, Sask., and the values she learned there. She was the only girl, with three older brothers. Her parents prized education and she was treated equally, rare for females at that time. Her father told her if he gave her money it could be taken from her, but no one could take away an education, so she also was able to go to university. She lived through the terrible prairie drought, the Great Depression, the Second World War, and had four children with her fellow Queen’s graduate ex-husband. She devoted herself to volunteer work, serving 25 years in the cancer field, including 12 years on the Ontario Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation Board.  She also volunteered with  the Women’s Canadian Club, the Service League at London’s Victoria Hospital, and the Canadian Institute of International Affairs. She was a member of the Granite Club and the Heliconian, a club for female artists.

Dubbed “The Prima Donna”, she delighted in opera, ballet, classical music, and works of art.  She was a docent at the Art Gallery of Ontario, was herself a painter, and earned her Japanese seal after studying with a Japanese master for five years. She prized creativity and cultural pursuits and found her greatest joy in the arts, but she also shared a passion for politics with her father, a former Progressive Party MP. She and her brothers shared the vision their parents had for this country and their respect for hard work, integrity, and freedom. In her later years, she became an avid bridge player. Asked if she had any words to leave behind, she replied, “Thanks for the memories….”   

John Robert Larsen passed away on July 25, 2021. He was 61. He was predeceased by his father, Svend. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy. Loving husband of Andrea for almost 33 years; dear father of Christian and Allison; older brother of David Larsen (Sandra Larsen), Peter Larsen (Lori Yauk), Karen Dance (Paul Dance), and Joanne Larson (Glenn Larson). He will be missed by his nieces and nephews.

John was born in Sudbury, June 12, 1960. He attended Alexander PS, Wembley PS, Sudbury Secondary High School, Cambrian College, and then transferred to Queen’s for his BSc and MSc.

Throughout his academic career, John received a variety of academic awards and scholarships.

All his life, John valued sports as a player and coach, not only for the physical benefits, but also for the social and emotional gains that went along with being involved. He played and coached in a variety of sport leagues and most importantly established lifelong friendships that he held dear to his heart. He was involved in high school football and other sports during his time at Sudbury Secondary High School and played provincial level lacrosse. He played Spartan football for seven seasons. During that time, he played five different positions, was team captain, and won numerous Spartan team awards. He later returned to be part of the Spartan coaching team for five years. He helped establish and coach in the Joe MacDonald Youth Football League.

At Queen’s, while working on his engineering degree, he played for the Queen’s Golden Gaels football team for four years (1982-1985). During the ’84 season, he shared the offensive captain position. He was part of the OQIFC Championship/Yates Cup Championship/Vanier Cup Finalist Team in 1983. He held the longest kick-off return record in the Vanier Cup and tied the Queen’s record for most touchdowns in a game with three in one half in ’84. He was a member of the OQIFC Championship/Atlantic Bowl Finalist team in 1984. He was inducted into the Queen’s Football Hall of fame in 2015 as a member of the 1983 Vanier Cup Finalist Team.

After his competitive playing days were over, John enjoyed recreational squash, skiing, baseball, basketball, and hockey — again, valuing the time he spent with friends and family. Ultimately golf became his go-to sport in the summer months and on some vacations.

John loved to travel and explore new locations. He loved food and flavours, spending many hours creating fabulous food in the kitchen for his family and friends. He loved history, reading, fishing, woodworking, and gardening.

John had a successful career in the mining industry. He initially worked for Fording Coal in B.C. and then returned to Sudbury to work at Inco/Vale. Later, he moved on to Cementation Canada and then Cementation USA, where he held a variety of positions, but ultimately was area manager of Eastern U.S. and Mexico. Rather than retiring, he became a consultant and ended his career working for Hatch Ltd.

John’s family and many friends will miss his blue eyes and smile, his hard work and competitive spirit, but mostly his love of life.