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WILLIS RICHARD (WILL) Obituary pic

WILLIS RICHARD (WILL)

Date of Passing: Jul 16, 2014

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WILLIS RICHARD (WILL) Sadly Will died on July 16, 2014, surrounded by friends and family, after a long struggle with heart disease. He is survived by his son, Jeremy and Jeremy's mother Susan, three stepchildren Jeana, Jodie and Adam Rhinesmith, and four step-grandchildren Eugene and Mallory Evenson and Maxxamus and Gustav Lovaas; as well as many other friends and family. He was predeceased by his wife Jeanine, his parents, Edna and Clifford Richard, and his sister, Claudia Johnson and her family. Will was born in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1943. He lived on the family farm until he was 12, when his father died, and the family moved to Bismarck where he graduated from high school. He graduated from North Dakota State University in 1967 with a degree in Architecture. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1968 to 1970. He was stationed in Europe. He worked in Minneapolis for three large development companies. In 1975 he moved to Winnipeg to work for Qualico Development Company. During this time he met and married Susan and they had one child, Jeremy. After he completed his contract, he started his own firm, specializing in residential architecture. He had a particular interest in infill housing. In 2000 he reconnected with his college sweetheart Jeanine Lively. They married in 2003. Will was a devoted husband and cared for Jeanine until her untimely death in 2010. Will was a gifted architect and a talented woodworker, but his greatest talent was his ability to teach people the skills to complete projects on their own. He was generous with his time and talents and had a strong sense of community. He loved boating, particularly sailing, skiing and camping. Will would like to thank his friends and family and all of those who supported both he and Jeanine through their illnesses, giving their time, taking them out, providing meals and encouragement. His family would like to thank Dr. Roy Smith, Dr. Czarnecki, Dr. Thorlakson, Dr. Hiebert; Judy, his nurse from the W.R.H.A. Palliative Care Program and the St. Boniface Palliative Care Unit. At Will's request there will be no formal service but there will be a celebration of Will's life on August 12, 2014 at 597 Carlaw Street, Winnipeg from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. His ashes will be scattered in the summer of 2015. Choose to be happy, helpful and forgiving.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2014

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

  • Jeremy, I'm sorry to hear of your father's death. I've enjoyed knowing Willis all of my life, and really enjoyed his visits back to North Dakota over the many years he has been in Canada, especially while your grandmother, Edna, was still alive. Willis was a wonderful, warm soul. I am sure you will miss him deeply. If you pass through Bismarck ND area on your journey through life, please know you have a place to stop - we'd love to hear from you. - Posted by: Sonna Anderson (Cousin (once removed) ) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • Will was a good friend and mentor for the last 14 years and he will be sadly missed. His neighbors in "Willsville" were fortunate to have been touched by the genius of architectural skills and his ability to bring people together. The many projects and gatherings that Will coordinated in our neighborhood will stand testament to what a good man he was. Rest in peace dear friend. - Posted by: Phil and Nicole Rawluk (Friend and Neighbor) on: Aug 11, 2014

  • I first met Will in mid seventeens not knowing that later he will help me built my recent home. Very gifted, skilled and helpfull professional. Left his mark in many neighbourhoods. I think Winnipeg will miss him. - Posted by: Frank Kriz (Friend/client) on: Jul 30, 2014

  • Will was a very kind and good hearted man. I am very blessed to have had him in my life. I remember the time he took me Innertubing on that river in Canada while him and my mom and me were camping, It is a wonderful memory I hold it dear to my heart. Miss you. - Posted by: (Step daughter) on: Jul 29, 2014

  • It was a privilege to know Will. I have been fortunate to live in, over the years,five Will Richard designed homes, including my current resident in Victoria BC, which Will designed for me in 1993.He was extremely generous with his time and advise. I will miss him. - Posted by: Doug Poruchny (Friend and client) on: Jul 28, 2014

  • Our condolences to Jeremy, your Dad wad a good man and he will be missed. Murray and Jan Coates - Posted by: Murray and Jan Coates (friend) on: Jul 28, 2014

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