RICHARD MICHAEL CHOWN

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

• The moment you walked in and saw that iconic Tilley hat, you knew you weren't the funniest or cleverest person in the room. And in my book, that was A-OK. Dickie was a pretty unique guy. He could simultaneously knock you down with a "Don Rickles" comment and build you back up again, better than before. His depth of curiosity was only eclipsed by his mountain of pure knowledge. His antics were legendary. The story of him fishing with the boat full of antiques because he hit a estate sale on the way to the lake and bought more than his van could hold is pure Dickie, and precious to those who knew and respected him. What I would have paid to see the look on the face of the wildlife control officer who spot-checked Dick's fishing boat out on the water and found stained glass windows and Duncan Fife tables filling every square inch instead of illegally caught fish. Priceless. Dick Chown always did things in his own personal way, he made his own rules and was comfortable with any consequences that came his way. I was proud to consider him a friend, and will miss his presence and sardonic humor forever. I will never be able to gaze on a Tilley hat without a grin appearing on my ugly mug. To Dickie, a man of normal height who threw an unusually long shadow. - Posted by: Jeff Bishop (I'd love to say Dickie and I were peers, reality is he had no superiors, and damn few equals!) on: Apr 17, 2017

• My memories of Dick go back to the advertising department of the Winnipeg Free Press, on Carlton Street, and playing hockey with Dick on the old Free Press Polecats. Great guy, great friend. We laughed and laughed and laughed. I miss you, pal. - Posted by: Doug McLaughlin () on: Feb 21, 2017

• Our deepest sympathy for Dick's family and loved ones as well his many friends. We will miss him at the shows. In our thoughts and memories over the past almost twenty years, we have known him to be a soft spoken, patient man who was intelligent and had a great businesslike poker face for making deals...over those years we had never heard him say a mean or ill word about anyone. He was always fair and generous. He always had a kind hello and chat with us. We are sorry that he won't be around physically walking this earth any longer. - Posted by: Sharon and Gerhard () on: Feb 06, 2017

• I was so sorry to hear of the Richards passing. I first met Richard in Grade 1 at Holy Cross School. We were good friends all through grade school and the friendship grew through our teenage years. We started a rock 'n roll band together and "Rick", the name we knew him by, was the piano player. I have pleasant memories of hanging around his Claremont Home. His mother was lovely but the Grandfather was something to fear if we dared to light up a cigarette in the house. Rick, Jerry (our drummer) and myself took off for a trip to California in the 60's without telling anyone. We ran out of money (and direction ) and ended up in Edmonton. When we reached our 20's we finally thought we grew up. Rick was in my wedding party and I was his best man when he got married. As time passed, we lost contact. In the last few years I've tried tracking him down after hearing rumors that he was into antiques and had a shop. I'm sorry I never got to know "Dick" and my condolences to you, Mary Louise, and his kids, and grandkids that I never got to meet. I apparently got very close to contacting him by phoning the Sherburn Street number but never got an answer. RIP Rick - Posted by: Alex McKinnon (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2017

• I'm so sorry to hear of Richards passing and condolences - Posted by: Alex McKinnon (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2017

• My deepest condolences to the Chown family. Richard and I grew up together in Norwood as neighbours. I have so many very fond memories. Rest in peace Richard. - Posted by: Doug Thom (Family Friend/ Neighbour) on: Jan 29, 2017

• I want to extend my deepest condolences to all of Richard's (as I knew him) family. Our families were neighbours when growing up. His Mother and mine were in the hospital together when his younger brother and I were born. With Richard being much older he was the one in the neighbourhood we all looked up to, often following where ever and what ever he suggested. Sometimes not the best plan, ha, ha! Our families had many close interactions with Richard, Mary, Peter, their Mom and Grandparents, the Grossmiths. All fond memories. Take care and hang on to all your great memories. Hugh Gordon - Posted by: Hugh Gordon (Childhood friend) on: Jan 28, 2017

• I started doing his bookkeeping in 2005. It that point he was about 7 years behind. I enjoyed doing his books. He was a very nice person to talk. When I first started he was at Diggers Antiques and than he moved to Osborne. Because of his reference I got to gain 2 more clients. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Faith Tate (His Bookkeeper for 11 years) on: Jan 26, 2017

• I am sorry for your loss, dear Chown family. Dick was my neighbour in the space below me on Portage and Sherburn, but I had been a long-time customer before that. Dick was often perceived to be a grouch, but he was certainly not a grinch. Here's my favourite Dick story. One year our 5 year old daughter wrote to Santa and said all she wanted for Christmas was proof that he existed, because her friend had told her he was just make-believe. I asked Dick if he had something I could put under the tree for her to keep her faith. She had a 3 year old brother and 1 year old sister, and I wanted to keep Santa a part of our Christmas tradition for a few more years. Dick said "leave it with me." Three days before Christmas, he called me. "I've got just the thing" he said. I went to pick up the item which was a round, rusted bell with a piece of leather attached to the end of it. It was exactly the kind of bell and leather one would find on a reindeer halter. It did the trick - our little girl was able to have the magic of Santa for another few years. Our daughter is now 35, and she still loves that bell, as well as the story of how it came into our lives. Rest in peace, dear Dick. - Posted by: Sandra Stuart (Long-time customer and one-time neighbour) on: Jan 21, 2017

• I have always had great respect for Dick.An all round good guy,good sense of humour and an incredible sharp eye in the antique business. - Posted by: Larry Carruthers () on: Jan 21, 2017