RICHARDSON, Tom
July 2, 1939 - April 4, 2016
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Dad, Grampa, Great-Grampa, Uncle, Brother, and friend – Tom Richardson. Dad passed away quietly on April 04th/2016 at the Foothills Hospital surrounded by family. Dad was 76 years young. Dad was born July 02/1939 in Brandon, Manitoba, the eldest of four children, to Thomas and Beatrice Richardson. Dad attended school in Brandon, completing grade 8. He finished grade 9 by correspondence, following an accident that claimed his father’s life. Dad assumed the farming duties previously held by his father while he was also trucking gravel from the pit on the family farm. In the early 1960’s, Dad became employed with Federal Grain elevators in Brandon. In 1961, Dad met Marie Marcin at a barn dance. They were married in August of 1963 and continued to live in Brandon. Sherry was born in November of 1964, and Lisa was born in September of 1967. A few years later the family moved to Govan, Saskatchewan, where Dad became the manager for the Federal Grain elevator. Shortly thereafter, Dad began working as an Agent for Imperial Oil, also in Govan. Tracy was born in April of 1970, and Patti in March of 1972. In 1975, the family relocated to Drumheller, Alberta, as Dad was transferred there with Imperial Oil. He and Mom continued with Imperial Oil until the late 1980’s. However, together they formed Richardson’s Bulk Sales in 1981. They kept Richardson’s until they sold the company in 1991 to their son-in-law, Jim. Dad then obtained his real estate license before going to work with Schwann’s Canada a few years later. His employment with Schwann’s saw Dad relocate to Memphis, Tennessee, for a couple of years. But, his true calling of driving truck for a living saw his return to Richardson’s, this time working for Jim instead of the other way around. Dad continued to drive truck until his health problems in 2012 became too great, and forced Dad’s retirement. Dad loved to drive truck. One of Dad’s favorite past times was watching sports. He watched every possible sport on TV. And, when he was horizontal on the couch, with eyes closed, as soon as someone would try to change the channel, he would say “I was watching that.” Dad also took a lot of ribbing over his two favorite teams: the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Eskimos. But, don’t kid yourself, as much ribbing that he received was as much ribbing as he would hand back out. Dad was an accomplished curler in his day. While residing in Saskatchewan, Dad skipped one team to the Northern Saskatchewan Provincial semi-finals, having been beat out by Rick Folk, who went on to win the Provincials that year. Dad also curled for a number of years in the Super League in Drumheller. He played baseball, slowpitch, and bowled. Dad was an avid golfer for many years, enjoying every round he played. Not only for the sport of golf, but also for the social aspect of the game. Just last week, Dad was making plans to head out to Fairmont Hot Springs, one of his most favorite places to be, so he could start swinging the sticks. In November of 2013, Dad moved into the Sunshine Lodge. While apprehensive at first, he soon became fond of the staff and residents alike. He enjoyed participating in Bingo games, cards, shuffleboard, and “happy hour”. Dad is leaving to mourn his four Daughters, Sherry (Jim), Lisa (Curt), Tracy, Patti (Ted). Dad is also leaving to mourn our Mom, Marie; Grandchildren Jasmine (Kevin), Jordan (Mathew), Brandon (Megan), Mitchell, Brett (Brittney), Nikki, Steffanie, Savanna; Great-Grandchildren Riley, Zoe, Alexis, and Bennett; Sister Bernice, Brother Bob (Denise), Brother Donnie (Darlene); numerous special nieces and nephews and their families, as well as many special friends. Dad was predeceased by his parents. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, April 09/2016, at 1:00 pm, at the Church of the Nazarene, with Reverend Harold Hunter officiating. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to either STARS air ambulance or the Sunshine Lodge in Drumheller. Arrangements were entrusted with Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in Drumheller.