RICHARD COPELAND VALE

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RICHARD COPELAND VALE

January 15, 1933 - March 23, 2025

The Lion in Winter Richard died at the well lived age of 92

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sidney James and Jean Emily Vale (nee Copeland), along with his "big sister" Barbara Canning and his cherished youngest child, Kirsten Alexandra Vale.

Richard "Dick" grew up in Winnipeg marrying his high school sweetheart Bernice "Bunnie" (nee von Platen) and they went on to build a beautiful life together. After 30 years in Winnipeg, Dick, Bunnie and family moved on, but Dick never lost his love for Winnipeg and the Prairies. He always kept in touch with his friends at the golf club and the local libation haunts on his regular visits. Ingolf and Lake of the Woods held a special place in Dick's heart. His love and reverence for nature was nurtured from an early age by Sid and Jean at Ingolf and he passed this love on to his children at Lake of the Woods. Dick and his family travelled there regularly for vacation and extended family celebrations, always enjoying the call of the loon and the taste of freshly caught pickerel.

Dick transitioned from N.M. Paterson, a well-known grain business in Winnipeg, to his career with Philips Electronics. Dick was an accomplished salesman and quickly moved into management. Then began the family's moves across Canada to Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto. Dick and Bunnie eventually crossed the ocean to Sevenoaks, England, where they enjoyed 20 years in the Kent countryside. Living in the U.K. gave Dick the opportunity to explore his family's heritage in Rotherhithe and to attend receptions at Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street and Windsor Castle.

One constant was Dick's love for golf. While his family lost track of the many courses he played over the world, the stories he shared of the many enduring friendships he forged on the links will be remembered with love and laughter.

Dick retired at age 62, then the Group Managing Director of Domestic Appliances and Personal Care Division at Philips Electronics. Dick's colleagues remained special to him, and he maintained those friendships.

Travelling for pleasure became a big part of his and Bunnie's life. The many friends they made and the experiences they had were so important and cherished by them.

Dick and Bunnie returned to Canada in 2006 and settled into a lovely semi-rural setting their children fondly call "Greenacres". Dick enjoyed the peace of the lakeside and the annual return of the swans and geese, along with creating new neighbourhood friendships.

Dick will be forever missed by his wife Bunnie; his children, Randy, Karen (Bill), Kevin (Elaine) and Marcy; along with his "baby sister" Linda (Jake) and his brothers-in-law, Ken Canning and Bob von Platen (Carl). Additionally, Dick leaves behind his grandchildren, Colin (Bianca), Courtney (Jason), Meghan and Rachael and his great grandchildren, Henry, Ingrid, Leo, Olivia and Aria, plus his nieces and nephews all of whom he treasured and shared an individual relationship with.

Dick supported many charities and if you so wish, a contribution to a charity of your choice or to the Canadian Wildlife Federation would be appreciated.

Sleep well dear Dick and enjoy your reunion over the Rainbow Bridge with your best canine friends, Taffy, MacDuff and Tara, plus all your adoring grand-dogs who enjoyed walking privileges with you.

The family will host a Celebration of Life at a date and location to be announced.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2025