RICHARD A. (DICK) COUTTS

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RICHARD A. (DICK) COUTTS Unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Friday, July 20, 2001 Richard (Dick) Coutts passed away at his residence at the age of 82 years. Dick was born August 6, 1918 in Plumas, MB to Resby and Maggie Coutts. He received his education in Melita, MB and entered the retail lumber business in 1937, a career which spanned 46 years. From 1937 to 1951, Dick was employed by the Beaver Lumber Company first in Morris, MB and then in Flin Flon. This employment was interrupted by a period of military service from March 1943 through April 1946. It was while working in Morris in the 1930s that Dick Met Emma Dolke. They were married on March 25, 1939 and blessed with 52 years together. In May 1951 Dick joined the North American Lumber working for the company until June 1983 when he retired. From 1951 to 1960, Dick managed the North Americans Stonewall yard, then transferred to their Transcona branch where he handled the operations of the Bond Street retail outlet as well as the Pandora Avenue FM homes and transport divisions. His final years with the company were spent in their head office. Even after retiring, Dick continued to maintain his ties with the company enjoying visits over coffee with the Bond Street staff and his trips with the transport truck to various yards. He loved nothing better than the chance to ride along with "Dernie" as he made his deliveries. Throughout his life Dick was an avid sportsman. While in his earlier years he played hockey and baseball, Dicks passion was curling, a sport in which he truly excelled. His matched set of curling rocks - "Nip and Tuck" - travelled with him to many venues and he loved nothing more than at least once a game to throw "a high hard one." In later years, Dick and Em travelled across North America to take in the Brier and World Curling Championships. During the summer months he spent many enjoyable hours at the cottage fishing, puttering in the yard and inevitably designing, supervising, and building various cottage renovation projects. Dick was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 7 and recently received his 50 year pin. Dick was a true family man and we were fortunate to have had him as a Dad. His daughter and son-in-law had his unconditional love and support. Predeceased by his wife Em in 1991, he leaves to cherish his memory a daughter Darlienne and husband John Black of St. Vital. Also surviving are his sisters, Jean Coates of Winnipeg and Isabelle Lee of Gore Bay, ON; two brothers, George (Mona) of Elva, MB and Bill (Mary) of Winnipeg; brother-in-law Ed Dahlke of Winnipeg; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Lawn Funeral Chapel, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. with Captain Mark Young, Salvation Army officiating. Interment will follow in Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Glen Bergen, Bob Carpenter, Al Dern, John Gifford, Bill McLean and Lionel Merrick. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army or the Fire Fighters Burn Fund would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 455 LAGIMODIERE BLVD. 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 23, 2001