Richard’s Story

As you know there is so much to talk about when it comes to describing Rich as a person, he is a very witty, selfless, giving and emotional man. Not a pretentious bone in him. He has lived in White Rock for about 23 years and is 47 years of age born September 24th, 1964. Rich is rare because he has so many great friends, so many friends that love him and he loves. Most people are lucky to have a one or two people they can call a best friend throughout there entire life. Not Rich, he doesn’t Judge people, he doesnt take things too personally, he sees the good in a person before he sees the bad. He would rather walk away before engaging in an argument, he would rather spend his time remembering to call you on your birthday, and he does it well.

His family: Sheila his beautiful strong wife, Johnny his 6 year old son who is a replica of Rich, his daughter Jessa who is 4 in May, his pride and joy and a beautiful little girl. Rich’s mom Irene lives in Florida, his sister Cathy who lives in Phoenix, two brothers one named Michael who lives in Edmonton and the brother named Stephen who lives in Calgary, Richards dad John passed years ago and many members of the extended family.

As some of you know, that were close to Rich, that he was a very active man and loves the outdoors, hiking, camping, travelling and clearly playing, watching and knowing Hockey was his number one passion when it came to sports. He played every week and I can honestly say, he put his everything into it. He played for the Titans hockey team with myself and a locker room of his best friends. He played pickup when he had a spare hour before or after work. He could’nt get enough.

Rich worked at Sutton Group Realty in White Rock B.C along with myself as a Realtor. He also drove bus for Handy Dart, helping people all day long. He was trying to do what he could to enjoy life, love his family, which was effortless and quite simply, just be a happy go lucky guy. He felt more blessed than anyone knowing that he had a healthy family and great friends

Unfortunately, on April 21st, 2012, Rich was playing hockey at 8 rinks in Burnaby and during playing hockey, he took a terrible fall that led him to crash into the boards. The details are still a little unclear, but that fall led to him to compressing his spine, which has left him paralyzed and unable to walk with little movement in his upper body. The injury is very fresh so its very difficult to understand the full scope of what has transpired physically and how he will recover short term and long term. We know its as serious as it gets and we know we need to help, we know we need to demonstrate that we are now there for Rich and his family.

Thank you

Brent