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RICHARD EDWARD GITTINS
Born: May 03, 1938
Date of Passing: Jul 27, 2021
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RICHARD EDWARD GITTINS
May 3, 1938 - July 27, 2021
He was predeceased by his parents, Stan and Anne Gittins, and brother David. He leaves to mourn his loving wife Joyce, son Kent (Linda), grandsons, Brett (Cheyenne), Cody (Jaiden), and son Christopher (Judy), grandchildren, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Alexandrea. In-laws, Carol (Gene), Ross (Connie), Jimmy, Leola, Haldean and many nieces and nephews.
Rich was born in Whitemouth, MB on May 3, 1938. He attended school at Seven Sisters until Grade 11. He completed Grade 12 at the University of Winnipeg, after which he attended the U of M and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Rich's goal in his life was to keep his family happy and cared for. He always supported Joyce, whether it was her singing career with Sweet Adelines, or with her business endeavours. He was a supportive father and grandfather, always interested in helping out if he was needed. His other love was hockey. He played for the Bisons at U of M and travelled across Canada, and as far away as Japan. His sons' friends nicknamed him 'Rocket'. He continued to enjoy playing the game until his early 70's. In the summer, he loved playing baseball with his Hydro buddies. He also loved downhill skiing in the mountains with family and friends. Rich loved the lake and spending time with the family. There were many special memories over the years with the boys, their families, and friends at LacLu, On. In the fall he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, grandsons, and extended family.
From a young age, Rich's work ethic was formed by the summers he spent at his grandparent's farm in Whitemouth. Working with his cousins and his uncle Andy were some of the favourite days of his life.
Joyce and Rich got married in 1961 while Rich was attending university. After graduating, he worked for Manitoba Hydro for a short time and then moved to Toronto for two years with Shell Canada. Manitoba Hydro convinced him to come back to Winnipeg, and so began a long and distinguished career with Manitoba Hydro. He worked as the onsite project engineer in the North on the Churchill River Diversion, as well as many other projects.
After he retired from Hydro, he consulted with W.L. Wardrop Engineering.
Joyce and Rich enjoyed a full life through their 60 years of marriage. They loved to travel but were just as happy to be at the lake with the kids around them. That was Rich's greatest happiness, to be surrounded by family. He will be greatly missed by so many.
There will be a private service at St. Mary Magdalene on August 3 at 10 a.m. Graveside prayers will be in the Whitemouth Cemetery at 2 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date. The service will be available online through the Bardal website, www.bardal.ca.
Bardal Funeral Home
843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474
Condolences: www.bardal.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 31, 2021
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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Sad to learn of Rich's and Dave's passings. Played hockey, fastball, touch football with both. Attended U of M with Rich. Dave's collie pulled sled to SSF. hockey rink a wonderful memory. A couple months ago walked in Lutheran cemetery in River Hills and saddened to see so many familiar names. "The curfew tolls the knell of parting day ..........." - Posted by: Gary. Mroz (Friend +. Association at U of M) on: Dec 29, 2022
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I'm so sorry my dear Joyce. Thinking of you and sending lots of love and hugs. - Posted by: Leanne Smith (Friend) on: Aug 17, 2021
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Joyce, we were so sorry to hear about Richard's passing. I wish we could be close to give you a big hug. Take care Joyce. - Posted by: Valdine Cornell (Friend and relative) on: Aug 12, 2021
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I have known Rich for many years and he always had a smile and time to chat with me amidst his busy role in management. His work ethic and character inspired me in my career and I thank him for that. I was fortunate to have a great visit with him while attending his brother Dave's funeral. Had I known that to be my last visit with Rich, I would have hugged him instead of the old handshake. He indeed was a good man. My condolences to Joyce and family. - Posted by: Rick Walker (Hydro co-worker) on: Aug 06, 2021
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Joyce you are such an amazing person. Always trying to help others and making this world a better place. I had the pleasure on numerous occasions to meet Richard at the Forks while you were fundraising for toys etc. He was always by your side with a smile and to assist you in any way. I am thinking about you during this time with heartfelt wishes of support. Take Care Sue - Posted by: Susan Schmidt (Forks Market friend) on: Aug 03, 2021
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Joyce , so sad to hear the news about Richard. You were a wonderful couple and very much in love. I have you in my heart and thoughts with love Miriam. - Posted by: Miriam (Mims) Jaeger (Friend) on: Aug 02, 2021
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Our Condolences Joyce, Kent, Chris and families! Also to all your siblings and their families! We love you and send our sympathy at this time of great loss. May your faith and hope continue in the Lord! Edith and family. - Posted by: Edith Webb and Family (Cousins Family) on: Aug 02, 2021
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Dearest Joyce, I am so sad to learn of your dear Rich's passing. You and he shared a long and loving life together. I know that all your family will be of great comfort to you. With deepest condolences to you and your boys, Elaine - Posted by: Elaine (Freestone) Ryan (Friend) on: Jul 31, 2021
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Today we learned of Rich's passing and are deeply saddened by this news. I worked with Rich for many years at MB Hydro during which time he generously shared his knowledge and provided guidance that was much appreciated. Rich possessed a great sense of humour as was evident at many social gatherings that we attended with Rich and Joyce. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are extended to you Joyce and to sons Kent and Chris and their families. Love, Barry and Yvonne (Simone) Rindall - Posted by: Barry Rindall (Friend and Colleague) on: Jul 31, 2021
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Joyce, Kent, Chris and Families. Glenn and I were so sorry to hear of Rich's passing - we spent so many good times at hockey games, Thompson Old Timers (train ride to Gillam) and get-togethers after. Time spent at our Ladies group in Thompson, the Killouettes. The Gittins name is well-known around Manitoba Hydro - always enjoyed our visits. Rich will be truly missed. Memories are forever. - Posted by: Glenn and Marilyn Lamb (Co-worker and friends from Thompson and Seven Sisters) on: Jul 31, 2021
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Rich was the Manager of our Department at a point in his career when he worked for MH. He was a fun loving carefree guy to work with. Lots of interesting stories and never a dull moment when he was around. He spoke highly of Joyce and her achievements. We sure missed him when he retired. Later and long after Rich's retirement, I had the pleasure of getting to work with one of his sons. My heart goes out to the Gittins family in their loss! - Posted by: Wendy Krupnik (Former coworker) on: Jul 31, 2021
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Joyce, I am so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I always thought of you as an amazing couple. Always together and taking care of each other whenever you came to the dental office. Richard was always so kind. I will miss seeing him. Take care of yourself. Rina - Posted by: Rina (Dental hygienist ) on: Jul 31, 2021
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My deepest sympathies to you Joyce and the boys. Rich will be remembered as a gentleman and a friend. - Posted by: moe sarchuk (friend) on: Jul 31, 2021
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Rich was a joy to have known at work or play. I know all your memories will be good ones. - Posted by: Joe Maloney (Friend through ball,hockey and Hydro) on: Jul 31, 2021
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Joyce and family: Mavis and I were sorry to learn of Rich's passing. During our Hydro years, I always found Rich would work co-operatively on any engineering issues. He was also a great team player, as we both played ball on the Hydro fastball team in the old Industrial League. He was a good athlete. Rich's friendly demeanour always made it easy to work with him. In simple terms: he was a good man. - Posted by: Will Tishinski (Friend) on: Jul 31, 2021
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