November 12, 1934 – February 21, 2019
at the age of 84 years

Interment will take place at 1:00 pm March 8, 2019 at St. Mary’s Anglican-United Church in Sorrento, BC.

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Richard Merdin (Dick) Armfelt on Feb 21/2019 in Salmon Arm BC at the age of 84.  Dick was born on Nov 12, 1934 in Athabasca AB to parents Hans and Helen Armfelt. He leaves to mourn his partner Ellen Huget of Salmon Arm, grandchildren Lindsay (Paul) Breda, David (Danielle) Armfelt, and Kaylan Armfelt (Justin Smith), great grandchildren Brielle and Alessia Breda, and daughter-in-law Julie.  Dick will be greatly missed by his siblings Jack, Karen, Gerald (Ann), Larry (Margaret), Raymond (Allison), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children. He is predeceased by his wife Kayla (2002), sons David (1981) and Russell (2016), and brother-in-law Chris Bradfield (2015).
Dick grew up west of Baptiste Lake, attending Winding Trail School from grades 1 to 8, then completing grades 9 to 12 in Athabasca. He graduated in 1952. In 1954 he attended the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art (now SAIT), taking surveying and drafting. He articled under the mentorship of G. Palsen, the Alberta Land Surveyor for the province. Taking and writing countless courses and exams from the U of A, he received his Alberta Land Surveyors commission June 5/1961. Some of his notable work involvements were the large tract of farmland at LaCrete AB and the Provincial “Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump” historical site.
On June 10, 1961 in Lethbridge AB, Dick married Kayla Park. They resided in Edmonton where sons David (1962) and Russell (1963) were born. In 1973 Dick and Kayla bought Long Beach Resort near Sorrento BC. He helped manage the resort and also worked various jobs, one being carpenter helper with his friend Shel Herrick.
After Kayla’s passing in 2002, Dick sold the resort and moved to Salmon Arm.
While still operating the resort, he and Kayla, with assistance of many other talented individuals, started having his father’s letters, which were written in Danish, translated and edited. In 2009, these letters were published in his book “All I Need Now are Some Chickens, a Cow, and a Wife,” which has been regarded by family, friends, librarians, and historians as one of the best.
Retirement time was spent on family genealogy, amassing a family tree dating back to the early 1800’s. He especially enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, reading, and many trips and outings with Ellen.
A special “Thank-You” to the staff at Bastion Place in Salmon Arm for the wonderful care Dick received.
Interment will take place at 1:00 pm March 8, 2019 at St. Mary’s Anglican-United Church in Sorrento BC.