RICHARD (DICK) JOSEPH ENGLISH

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RICHARD (DICK) JOSEPH ENGLISH Richard (Dick) Joseph of Riverheights Terrace Brandon passed away on January 10, 2002 at the Assiniboine Hospital in Brandon, MB. Dick was born on the home farm in the Moline District on February 18, 1920 to Joseph and May English. Dick attended the Moline School to grade eight, then worked on the family farm and showed horses at all the local fairs for Ernie Henderson, starting at 12 years old and then for Ed Arnold at Shoal Lake until enlisting in the Armed Forces in November 1941. Dick served his country with the Artillery Unit throughout the Second World War as a Dispatch Rider until his motorcycle accident in November 1944, then spent nine months in hospital overseas, got home in time for Christmas 1945. After the war, Dick continued farming in the Moline area. He married Ethel Bridgeman in October 1956. Dick and Ethel raised three chosen children while on the farm and moved to Rapid City in June 1976, with their new mobile home, after selling their farm and cattle and having a farm auction sale. Dick helped Lawrence Bell farm for one year, then got employment with the Saskatchewan Municipality driving a Road Grader until 1985. In 1986, Dick and Ethel moved to a suite in Townview Manor at Minnedosa. Dick enjoyed playing baseball, hockey and curling till later years when his war injury caused him to quit, then enjoyed all sports on T.V. Dick passed his love of sports to his children and this kept him busy following their hockey, ball and figure skating. He also coached or helped coach numerous hockey and baseball teams, winning the Provincial Midget B baseball in 1978 and the Provincial Midget B hockey in 1977-1978. Dick was a Mason with the Corinthian Masonic Lodge in Rapid City for a number of years, and received his fifty-five pin membership in the Royal Canadian Legion in Rapid City. He was an avid outdoorsman, especially loved hunting wild game, ducks and geese and was a hunting guide from 1988 until 2000. Dick leaves to mourn, his wife Ethel; sons, Bob (Laura) of Oakbank, MB, Tom (Jackie) and daughter Maryanne (Art) of Rapid City, MB and six grandchildren: Jessie, Emily, Ryan, Kaylee, Kristina, and Jeffry. He is also survived by Aunt Dot Greer, and Aunt Elsie Greer and in-laws, Mary McLaughlin, Rapid City, Charlotte Bridgeman, Saskatoon, SK, Edith Bridgeman, Brandon, Bill (Marj) Bridgeman, Rivers, Ken (Janie) Bridgeman, Moline, Earl (Evelyn) Bridgeman, Arnold (Greta) Bridgeman, Brandon plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and May, three brothers, and their wives, Elvin (Anne), Ivan (Myrtle), Allan (Lil), an Infant sister Margaret and two in-laws Russell and Lorne Bridgeman. Dick will be lovingly remembered for his sense of humour, always teasing or playing a prank on someone, telling tall tales or playing cards. He always had time for friends and family, particularly his grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Thanks for the years you gave us, And for the times that we shared, We only pray that when you left us, You knew how much we cared.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 23, 2002