WILLIAM RICHARD FULLER

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WILLIAM RICHARD FULLER April 20, 1933 - February 14, 2015 It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of William Richard (Dick) Fuller. He was an incredible man, father, grandfather and friend. He was predeceased by his one and only, Betty Isfeld, and his brother Robert Fuller. His children David of Vancouver, Susan of Surrey and Katherine of Burnaby survive him. Dick was born in Toronto, Ontario on April 20, 1933. He was the eldest son of the late John and Louise Fuller. His three siblings Mary of Sault Ste. Marie, David of Toronto and Doug of Georgetown remain. Dick and his siblings grew up in Toronto and Copper Cliff, Ontario. He and his brothers were sports fanatics, particularly hockey and baseball. Dick worked in the INCO Smelter in Sudbury, Ontario before becoming a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He was posted in Manitoba before being selected to join the Secret Service Branch where he excelled as an intensively creative member of an elite unit. The Canadian Government and her allies were well served; her adversaries, not so much. While not permitted to explain, co-members are grinning with recollection. Upon retirement, he moved to Nanaimo where he immersed himself in hobbies and activities. Dick was a member of the Nanaimo Golf Club and was thrilled to be able to golf year round with his friends. He enjoyed the spectacular ocean view from his deck and soon tracked the activities of bald eagles. His stained glass projects adorn many homes across the country. He was also a regular fixture at the Nanaimo Clippers games regaling others with his encyclopedic knowledge of hockey history. As a voracious reader, Dick proudly volunteered teaching adults to read. Dick liked to travel. A highlight for him was attending the 100th anniversary game at Fenway Park. His interview at the game has become a favourite YouTube clip (The Big Story: Fenway Turns 100). Dick's greatest pride and fulfillment, however, was with his grandchildren Alyssa, Jamiroquai "JQ", Alijah, and Azariah. He was actively involved in all of their lives and each held a unique bond with their grandpa filled with countless adventures. Dick lived a life of integrity and maintained a steadfast, quiet sense of dignity. Everyone who knew him held him in high regard. History is replete with famous men whose actions are recorded for public consumption. In the shadows, however, there are others like Dick who remain anonymous. It may be time now to advise the Henderson Directory in Winnipeg that the "professional square dance caller" living in St. James did not exist. Then again, Dick might not appreciate allowing the facts to interrupt a good story. A viewing will be held at the Sands Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. on February 28, 2015. A summer service will be held in Manitoba before he is laid to rest in the Husavick Cemetery beside his first mate Betty as they sail away into eternity. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the Betty Anna Isfeld Scholarship, by contacting the University of Winnipeg Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 28, 2015