RICHARD WALLS

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RICHARD WALLS

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of life for Richard Walls will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the Masonic Memorial Center, 420 Corydon Avenue.

For those unable to attend in person, the livestream link can be found at ejcoutu.ca, or please use this link: https://vimeo.com/event/6198963

TRIBUTES at: ejcoutu.ca

RICHARD WALLS

December 28, 1946 - September 9, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Walls announces his passing on September 9, 2026, at the age of 79.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Pat Walls; his brother Bruce Walls and his wife, Karen; his sister Janice Briggs and her husband, Darcy; and his sister Norma Anania and her husband, Bonaventura; and his extended family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives were touched by his work. He was predeceased by his parents, Alan and Mary Walls; and his siblings, Craig Walls, Noreen Yablecki and Keith Walls.

Richard devoted much of his life to improving the lives of people who were too often overlooked. A respected Winnipeg developer, designer, urban advocate and community leader, he believed that buildings and neighborhoods should serve the people who lived in them. His work brought together heritage preservation, affordable housing, the arts and a deep concern for people experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction and mental-health challenges.

Richard’s commitment to his community was reflected in an extraordinary record of service and leadership. For more than 40 years, he was the founder and president of ADI-Designworks Ltd., an interior design consulting company based in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. He was a founding member and former president of both the Old Market Square Association and the Exchange District BIZ, served with Heritage Winnipeg and CentrePlan, and contributed to numerous organizations devoted to downtown revitalization, heritage preservation, housing and the arts. His service also included leadership roles with the Lions Club of Winnipeg and Lions Housing Centre, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, PAL Winnipeg and The Edge Artist Village. In 2007, the Exchange District BIZ recognized his leadership in downtown revitalization and the creation of safe, affordable housing at Red Road Lodge with an Award of Excellence.

His most enduring legacy was his advocacy for safe, stable and dignified housing.

Richard was the founder and a longtime leader of Red Road Lodge, which provided transitional housing, community programming and support to vulnerable residents of Winnipeg’s North Main Street area. The lodge grew from Richard’s conviction that people needed more than temporary shelter. They needed safety, respect, community and meaningful opportunities to rebuild their lives.

He helped transform the former Occidental Hotel from a troubled Main Street property into a place of refuge and support. Through Red Road Lodge, Richard promoted an approach that combined housing with art, cultural connection, recovery programming and practical assistance. He regularly spoke about the need for coordinated mental-health, addiction and housing services, and he challenged governments and community leaders to move beyond short-term solutions.

His vision extended beyond Red Road Lodge. Through The Edge Artist Village and his redevelopment work in Winnipeg’s Exchange District and along North Main Street, Richard sought to restore historic buildings while creating affordable spaces for artists, residents and community organizations. He saw arts and culture as powerful tools for healing, neighborhood renewal and bringing people together.

Richard also understood the importance of Indigenous culture and community leadership. He supported Indigenous artists, cultural programming and opportunities for the wider community to better understand the history, strengths and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

Over the years, Richard served his community through heritage preservation, downtown development organizations, public advocacy and numerous neighborhood initiatives. In 2019, he was recognized as one of Manitoba’s community heroes for his work in heritage redevelopment, homelessness and social responsibility.

Away from his work, Richard found joy, peace and lifelong friendships on the water. Sailing was one of his greatest passions, and for decades he was an active member and leader in the sailing community. He served as Commodore and board member of the Northern Yacht Club, President and board member of the Manitoba Sailing Association, and Vice-President of the Canadian Yachting Association.

Richard loved the challenge and camaraderie of racing and was a familiar and respected competitor on Lake of the Woods. He competed in numerous regattas, including the LOWISA racing series and the renowned Warroad Race, earning the respect of fellow sailors through his skill, sportsmanship and not-so-quiet determination.

For many years, Richard sailed out of Northern Harbour, a place he considered a second home. There he formed countless friendships and was always willing to lend a hand, share some advice or enjoy a laugh on the dock.

To those who sailed with him, Richard will be remembered for his steady hand at the helm, his competitive spirit, his love of the lake, and the enduring friendships he built through a lifetime on the water.

Richard’s family extends its sincere appreciation to his compassionate and loving caregivers, Emil, Paul, Kriz Paul and Mila; to Hanna, Andre, and all the exceptional nurses and doctors of the Palliative Care team; and to his GP of 50 years, Dr. P. Mehta. Their extraordinary care and support made it possible for Richard to pass away peacefully in the home he built and loved.

Richard’s friends, colleagues, and the many organizations he was part of brought him a lifetime of friendship, support, love and laughter. He reveled in these personal connections. They energized him, enriched his life, and gave purpose to so much of what he accomplished.

For all of this, we are forever grateful.

A Celebration of Life is currently being planned. Details regarding the date, time and location will be published once finalized. A livestream of the service will also be available for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Road Lodge, in recognition of Richard’s lifelong commitment to housing, dignity and community.

Richard leaves behind a stronger and more compassionate community. His life’s work reminds us that every person deserves a safe place to live, an opportunity to heal and the knowledge that they matter.

E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS

204-253-5086

TRIBUTES AT: ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2026, Sep 19, 2026