RICHARD MALCOLM MUTCHMOR

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RICHARD MALCOLM MUTCHMOR Dicks family announces with sadness the peaceful passing, on Thursday, April 13, 2000, of a man of kind and gentle nature, with a tremendous sense of humour, whos endless desire to help others will never be forgotten. Dick was born April 14, 1928, in Winnipeg. He received all his formal education in Winnipeg attending Grosvenor, Robert H. Smith and Kelvin Schools. After receiving his B.Sc. degree from the University of Manitoba in 1949, Dick taught in the Physics Department of United College (University of Winnipeg) before entering the Faculty of Education in the fall of 1950. He joined the staff of The Winnipeg School Division No. 1 in the fall of 1951 and spent 44 years in the service of the division, first as a teacher at Hugh John Macdonald and Gordon Bell Schools, Vice-Principal at Gordon Bell School, Principal of J.B. Mitchell and finally Principal of St. Johns High School. In the spring of 1982, Dick was appointed Superintendent of Secondary Schools for the Winnipeg School Division. After a reorganization of the administrative structure in 1990, he was made Superintendent of Schools - North, until his retirement in 1995. Dick earned his B.Ed. degree in 1956 and his M.Ed. degree in 1968, both awarded by the University of Manitoba. One of the highlights of his professional career occurred when, in 1962, he was awarded a US National Science Council grant to attend a P.S.S.C. physics teaching institute at Nebraska Wesleyian University. Upon return, Dick piloted the first P.S.S.C. physics class in Manitoba and participated in Curriculum Development and Examination Committees. He taught undergraduate and post graduate courses for teachers in Science Methods and P.S.S.C. Physics at the University during the 60s. The Winnipeg Canoe Club played a major role in his youthful life and it was there that he met his wife Pat, a crew member, when he was chosen to be the coxswain of the first Ladies War Canoe Crew to compete for and win, the 1949 Canadian Canoe Association Dominion Championship race in Ottawa. Pat and Dick were married in August of the following year and were thrilled to participate in the crews 50th reunion just last summer. A second highlight in their lives together, was a trip to England with the St. Johns High Rugby Team in 1977, as token cheerleaders for the games that ensued! Their most memorable adventure was their canoe trip through the Quetico wilderness, Route of the Voyageurs, with their four young children, in honour of Canadas Centennial. Dick served on the executive of the Winnipeg Teachers Association, The Winnipeg School Masters Club, The Childrens Home of Winnipeg, Knowles Centre, The Fort Garry Public Library, The Winnipeg Ski Club, Clearwater Bay Yacht Club, as Rear Commodore of the Board of Governors at the Winnipeg Canoe Club and in several capacities during a lifetime association with Crescent Fort Rouge United Church. In 1981, the Manitoba High School Athletic Association recognized Dicks dedication and contribution to physical education by awarding him a Certificate of Merit. His accomplishments were many, but he was quietly proud of having built his own home with the help of his father, and later, building his cottage at Clearwater Bay, Lake of the Woods, with the help of his wife and children. This retreat was his paradise on earth. Dick was predeceased by his father Shirley (1967) his mother Bea (1999) and his beloved son Jeff (1988). He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years; his children, Susan (Jon) Cowtan, Sandy (Nancy) and Meagan (Brent Jakobson) his grandchildren, Pat, Buffy and Stefan Cowtan and Randy and Bradley Mutchmor. He is also survived by his brothers, Alex and Don; his uncle Larry Kenny and several cousins, nieces and nephews. His greatest pleasure was to watch the love and caring for each other which flowed so freely between every member of the family. This was seconded closely by the pure joy of the interaction he had with the thousands of students who passed through his life. His ever-present pipe was a lifelong comfort - his signature, his trademark - one could scarcely imagine him without it. The family wishes to acknowledge with thanks, all those who have given their love and encouragement to Dick during his year of illness. They want to give special thanks to Doctors James Johnson, Ian Maxwell and Nelson Svorkdal, whos professional expertise and abundant giving of themselves, contributed greatly to Dicks life. We would also like to recognize the compassionate staff at Cancer Care Manitoba, the Pain Clinic and on the Health Sciences Centre wards H4 and D4. At Dicks request, cremation has taken place. A family prayer service will be held. Friends, colleagues and former students who wish to honour Dicks memory, are invited to share in a reception to be held at the University of Manitoba Faculty Club at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26. Flowers are declined with gratitude; however, friends who wish, may make a donation in his memory to Cancer Care Manitoba, 100 Olivia St., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or to Crescent Fort Rouge United Church Endowment Fund, Wardlaw at Nassau Streets, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0L9.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2000