December 21, 1941 – February 3, 2013
at the age of 71 years
It is with great regret that we announce the passing of John Richard.
John immigrated to Canada from Switzerland as a young boy, and had called the Salmon Arm area his home since then. An active and loved member of the Shuswap Amateur Radio club for many years, John was always there to lend his support to club activities. Many would recognize John as a passenger in the RCMP cruiser during the Salmon Arm parades in recent years.
Blinded as an adolescent due to ocular disease, John navigated his life by refusing to become a slave to his blindness. He frequently told others that we the sighted were more blind than he was. In many ways one could agree with him. A very self reliant man, John would chop his own wood, stoke his own fires and unaided navigate from his home to perform his errands. In later years friends and the local Handi-Dart would routinely take him on his weekly outings to his favourite establishments. An outing that he truly enjoyed.
Predeceased by his mother, John often shared his adoration for her in his life to his friends. He had a special affection and appreciation for the tellers at Downtown Askews. They regularly greeted him with kind words and big hugs. He was also a member of the Salmon Arm Seniors Centre. Many reading this will recognize this kind soul, as he touched so many in his life.
John passed away in the Shuswap Lake General Hospital after a brief illness. Those that knew John would like to thank the staff at the hospital for their kindness to him in his last days.
John never married, but had many friends that loved him dearly. He left his mark on many in the community and will be missed. John believed that his true reward would be in heaven, We that knew John, believe fully that God has embraced him in his love.
Our deepest condolences go out to all his family and friends.
John was one of my closer friends while I resided in Salmon Arm and we had a common interest and belief. Both of us were also Radio Amateurs and john had not only a keen interest in technology but was amazingly conversant.
He kept himself up to the latest news and we discussed many technical and theological subjects by Phone.
I really liked John very much and I have included him many of times in my Prayers,wherever I resided. He was very much like myself,a bit stubborn but once proven the fact he accepted them. Although I live now in Kelowna after leaving Prince George I had the opportunity to Visit john several month before his passing.I was not aware of his Illness and therefore I am sorry that I could not have visited him here at the Kelowna Hospital that is a short walk from my Residence.
John will always be remembered and I know he will be in a better place in heaven,as he deserves to be there.Good By john hope to meet you again.
In sorrow Joerg and Sylvia
John was in his own fashion an “ambassador for amateur radio,'” the friendly voice on both the repeater frequency 146.760- and simplex frequency 146.550, willing to share his time and thoughts with friends and strangers alike. He particularly enjoyed long discussions with Warren Canney VE7EHL, Kelly Keating VE7AVZ and Joerg Klaemt VE7VPX over the years. John will be sadly missed amongst the amateur radio fraternity.
Rest in Peace John, you are with the angels now.