December 2, 1951 - October 30, 2021
It is with broken hearts, that we announce the passing of our Rick. He was husband to Sandra, father to Paul and Dawn (Jardie), father-in-law to LeRoy, Papa to Brett (Caitlin), April, Amy and Clay, great Papa to Nellie and Blakely and brother to Linda Bull.
Rick was born in Turner Valley hospital to parents, Fred and Avis Rishaug and was raised in Millarville. As a young child, and later as an adolescent he enjoyed many summers and holidays at Newgate, B.C., where his maternal grandparents resided for many years. He knew all the best fishing holes and became an expert on the local history of the area. It was his second home and, really his first choice of places to be. He continued to travel there for the remainder of his life, generally with family and friends in tow. Newgate is a very special place for all of us. His grandchildren and now great grandchildren will go there at every opportunity.
Rick attended elementary school in Millarville and then went on to the Turner Valley High School (now Oilfields High School). He had so many good times at that school! He wasn’t necessarily interested in classes, but really enjoyed the socializing.
From a young age Rick always had a job and put his best efforts forward. He started out his working career cleaning stables for Hans Backs and many times was invited to join the Backs’ for lunch. As he entered his teen years he went on to work with Bert Haney in construction and as an assistant school janitor with Bert’s wife Vera. Next he moved on to summer road construction. He was the water hauler, and it was his duty to have a sack of cold beer in the water tank for the end of the day for the rest of the crew. From there he went on to work for M. Jackson Construction, who was contracted to assist in the building of the Esso Quirk Creek Gas Plant. He continued to work for the Jackson’s, and in the early 70’s hired on with Esso, where he remained for many years as a Millwright. In the early 90’s he started his own company, Sandy’s Oilfield Services Ltd. and contracted back to Esso, as well as some other companies.Over the years, the ownership of Quirk Creek changed a few times, and he continued to contract there until 2017, when he retired.
Rick was a kind and gentle man who enjoyed the company of family, friends, neighbours and community. He thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with organizations close to his heart. Among them were, MRAS, Kinsmen, 4-H and Turner Valley Volunteer Fire Department. He was a major player at MRAS, particularly the fair and the July 1st races. He was proud to gain his life member status with MRAS. With his love of kids and animals, he was a 4-H leader and a great advocate for the organization.
Throughout Rick’s life he enjoyed many other hobbies and sports, among them hockey, baseball, basketball, snow mobile outings with comrades, boating on Lake Koocanusa, fly in fishing trips into Northern Saskatchewan, and of course his beloved cattle ventures.
Rick and Sandra were married at the Christ Church Millarville in 1972. Paul followed in the same year and Dawn continued to bring in much joy to our family in 1975. We had so many happy times raising our children and were blessed by them. Next arrived our grandchildren, and subsequently the great granddaughters arrived (although Rick did not get the opportunity of meeting Blakely, he was definitely with them watching over). Each generation was lovingly welcomed into to our family.
Rick was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Avis, brothers-in-law George Bull and Dean Williams, father-in-law Ed Williams and his life time best friend and best man Buck Kendall.
There will be a private family service with a plan to have a celebration of his life for family and friends in the summer of 2022. Sorrowfully missed but joyously remembered.
In lieu of flowers donations to Millarville-Stockland 4-H Club would be appreciated. c/o Box 108, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0
