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OSWALD (OZZIE) RICHARD Obituary pic

OSWALD (OZZIE) RICHARD

Date of Passing: Apr 03, 2014

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OSWALD (OZZIE) RICHARD It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph Oswald Reginald Richard. On Thursday, April 3, 2014, while sailing off the coast of the Bahamas with his wife, two daughters and four grandchildren, Ozzie passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. We take solace in knowing that when he passed, he was doing what he enjoyed the most; sitting on his balcony, listening to the waves crashing against the ship and enjoying a rum. He was 69 years old. Ozzie was born in St. Eustache, Manitoba on September 20, 1944 as the fourth of six children to Joseph and Mary (Mirecki) Richard. Ozzie grew up under the care of his mother and older siblings. At an early age he learned the importance of hard work and perseverance. On August 23, 1969, Ozzie married Mary Nichiporuk. Together they built a home in Transcona where they raised their three children, Riva, Rhonda and Ryan, and instilled in each of them Ozzie's work ethic, values and beliefs. Ozzie taught his children to take pride in themselves and to earn the respect of others. Ozzie was so proud of his shining star' (Riva), his diamond-in-the-rough' (Rhonda), and his little Ozzie' (Ryan). Ozzie loathed being at the center of attention but, inevitably, was in the middle of everything, quietly orchestrating from behind the scenes. Whatever job needed to be done, big or small, if you mentioned it to Ozzie, you could consider it done. His work ethic, tenacity and stubborn determination, coupled with unparalleled generosity and an astounding network of friends and colleagues, meant that Ozzie (nicknamed the "Wizard") could make anything happen. Driven by a fierce competitive streak and a deep commitment to teamwork, Ozzie excelled at team sports. He earned a place on the Ste. Anne Saints (inducted into the Fastball Hall of Fame in May 2013), the Transcona Turbos (an Intermediate hockey team sanctioned under the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association) and nearly secured a berth in the Manitoba Men's Curling Provincial Play-downs in the early 1980s. In his later years, Ozzie enjoyed continued success in recreational curling and golf, even hitting a hole-in-one on the ninth hole of the Lorette Golf Course in 2013. In retirement, Ozzie busied himself with numerous projects, from home renovations and landscaping to the gluing together of broken toys. He devoted countless hours to his grandchildren - bringing his grandsons to Winnipeg for the summer, picking his granddaughters up from school, teaching them to fish, to Skate with Willy' and to play miniature golf. He could often be found in the bleachers at the swimming pool or on the sidelines of the soccer field. He had even developed an appreciation for junior piano concerts and dance recitals. Ozzie's lifelong friendships with his former teammates, some enduring more than 50 years, are testament to the strength of his character and the depth of his loyalties. He will be remembered for his sense of humour and sorely missed by those lucky enough to call him friend. Ozzie is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Riva (Kevin Kuryk) and Rhonda (Mark Overton); son, Ryan (Michelle Spearman); grandchildren, Campbell, Cadence, Evan and Erik; brother, Orville (Judith Tougher); sister, Barbara (Stephen Walker), and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; brothers, Oliver and Andy, and sister, Odella. In keeping with Ozzie's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Disney Cruise Lines, the Consulate of Canada (Bahamas), the Ministry of Tourism (Bahamas) and Butler's Funeral Home for their compassion and assistance. Special thanks are also extended to the Pollard family and Jetz Aviation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to KidSport Manitoba, 145 Pacific Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2Z6, www.kidsportcanada.ca (Manitoba Chapter) or a charity of your choice. "Bright Star" - A term used by a ship's crew to denote a medical emergency. "Rising Star" - A term used by a ship's crew for one who has passed. Dad - We will look for you in the stars.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2014

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • I knew Ozzy at a young age. Yet the man treated me... like a man and I respected him for that. As men, when you are young...you are both drawn to and slightly intimidated by a man like Oz. He had this combination of confidence and wisdom...yet still the playfulness of a child. He knew some of the men I worked with during my first career as an Iron worker and he would both tease and admire me at the same time. It was only years later, after I had left the trades to become a nurse did I realize the value of his mockery. He respected me as a man of the trades yet pushed me to be more, as he could also see I was no happy at that time. How great is that, how great is it for a man to quietly take you under his wing and influence your life with just a few words. That's all it took for Oz. A simple nod, a genuine smile...or if you messed up...(as I did a few times) just a shake of his head to know he meant business. As I got older I rarely saw him, yet when I did he treated me like a man. With respect, with kindness...and always asked if there was anything I needed. How does one end a salutation to a man such a Ozzy...I'd say 'may you rest in peace'...but Oz is probably up there with the gods showing them how its done, no rest now...I know a guy, lemme make a call.... I wish I could have shared a drink with you when I got my nursing licence old friend. You knew I could, and I did. May the gods lighten your path while you explore the universe... Love to you and yours, RBP - Posted by: Robert Paul (Close friend of Daughter Riva and family) on: Sep 14, 2016

  • We are so sorry to hear the sad news of Ozzie's passing. Our deepest sympathies. He will be greatly missed. His many friends that went on before will be happy to see him there. - Posted by: Fred & Marge Hamm (Friend) on: Apr 18, 2014

  • Having spent a lot of time at the Richard house as a teenager I have so many fond memories of Mr. Richard. He was always quick to tease us kids but that is what made being around him so fun. Such a great family to be around and helped shape all of us into the adults that we are today. Sending lots of love at this difficult time. - Posted by: Sue Brander ( nee Kraus) (Friend of daughter Rhonda) on: Apr 15, 2014

  • Our hearts go out to you in this time of great sorrow. Find solace in the fact he died while doing the things that made him the happiest - Posted by: Lucy & Jerry Gay (Distant friends) on: Apr 14, 2014

  • On behalf of the Gaborieau family We are saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Ozzie. He was a good friend to our brother, son and husband Alphonse. Through Alphonse the Gaborieau family got to know Ozzie. He had a quick sense of humour and a mischievous grin. He took the time to talk to our elderly parents when he worked in our parent's apartment block even when he was busy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Cecile (and Honore), Dianne (and Alphonse), Albert, Marcel and Joanne, Angèle, Muriel - Posted by: Angèle Roberts (Friend) on: Apr 14, 2014

  • What an amazing life story. I always saw him as a strong man, inside and out. I'm so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Joel Yerex (Friend) on: Apr 14, 2014

  • So very sorry for this sudden loss. I will always have fond memories of your Dad, his good nature and the love he had for his family. - Posted by: Sherry Pratt (Friend) on: Apr 13, 2014

  • There are no words to express how sad we are at Ozzie's passing. We will miss him. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. - Posted by: Kit and Linda Schile (Family friend) on: Apr 13, 2014

  • We are so very sorry for your sudden loss of Ozzie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Thinking of all of you. Rollie & Claudette - Posted by: Rollie & Claudette Boucher (Friends) on: Apr 13, 2014

  • I am very saddened by your loss. Even though I don't see you all much anymore due to distance, I always feel as though you are family to me and my heart hurts for you. I wish you continued strength when you feel there is none. Thinking of you... Jennifer(Hodgkins) Morgan - Posted by: Jennifer Morgan (Friend) on: Apr 12, 2014

  • I worked with Ozzie many years ago, he was a great guy, I always enjoyed working with him. I hadn't seen him on over 30 years and did wonder how he was doing every once and a while. I always hoped I would see him again. It's very sad, he as too young to go. - Posted by: Jeff Pitre (Old friend and co-worker) on: Apr 12, 2014

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