LORNE (CURLY) HAMILTON RIACH

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LORNE (CURLY) HAMILTON RIACH On March 22, 2009 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, with our sister Gayle at his side, our father passed away after 90 years of a full, healthy, and independent life. Dad will be sadly missed by his children Brian (Marlene Maykut), Duaine (Lynette Ramsey), Gayle Campbell (Rod), and Marilyn Lemay (Claude); by his brothers Alvin and Clarence (Thelma); by his son-in-law Art Bremaud (Debbie); and by his 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Dad also leaves to cherish his memory, a special friend Paddy (of Lancashire, England), as well as numerous other family members and friends. Dad was predeceased by his wife Lillie in 1974, by his daughter Karen Bremaud in 1999, by his daughter-in-law Sharon Riach (Kirkpatrick), as well as his brother Stewart (Lorraine), sisters Myrtle (Ted), Eleanor, Mildred (Bill), his sister-in-law Avis, as well as two infant brothers, Stanley and Lloyd. Dad was born in the Ridgeville district on August 28, 1918 to Ernest and Alma Riach. He continued to be an integral part of that community for all of his life. Dad was an excellent student and an active participant in many sports. He was employed at Canada Customs and Immigration until the beginning of the Second World War. Dad joined the Air Force and served his country as Flight Lieutenant with the Coastal Command in England and Ireland. He returned to Canada in 1945 to be deployed to the Pacific Theatre, which never happened as hostilities ceased. He married Lillie Lindsay on August 4, 1945, built a home in Ridgeville in which they raised their five children, and he remained in his home until October of 2008. He purchased his father's Lumber and Hardware business in 1947 and with his brothers, Alvin and Stewart, they operated the business until it was sold to his son, Duaine, in 1968. After selling the business, he took a position as the secretary treasurer of the Boundary School Division from 1968 until his retirement in 1979. Dad was an active member of the community, sitting on building committees for the community hall and curling rink; and many years on the board of the Southridge Cemetery; as well as being on the school board. He helped to organize as well as be the draw master for many of the bonspiels. Dad and Mom also instilled a love of sports and a sense of competition in all their children. After his retirement Dad discovered the joy of traveling the highways and backroads of western Canada; making several trips to the west coast and one to Alaska. His purchase of a conversion van made this travel more convenient and also served as Dad's private space when visiting his children at their homes or cottages. Dad was particularly fond of family get-togethers at Buffalo Point, where he enjoyed his walks, feeding the deer, and dozing in the hammock. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate Dad's life will take place on Monday, March 30, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Greenridge United Church (near Ridgeville). Interment to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southridge Cemetery (Ridgeville), c/o Carol Andrusyk, Box 11, Morris, MB, R0C 1K0. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan Funeral Cremation Services, Brandon.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 28, 2009