Age 47, died suddenly May 19, 2012. Born in Granby, Que., the sixth son of a very large family. Predeceased by his parents, Roger and Jeannine and brother, Jacques, he leaves behind to mourn brothers, Pierre, Roch, Marcel, Normand and sisters, Chantal, Johanne and Josee and also many nieces and nephews and other dear family members. He grew up loving the Quebec outdoors, especially winter and was an avid skier, hunter and trapper, loved training race horses with his father and playing hockey. Richard enlisted in the military as soon as he could, actually thriving on Basic Training, due in no small measure to his ability to eat at remarkable speed. His first military posting was to a base which he thought was in Quebec. Portage la Prairie. It was, however, in far distant Manitoba and where he met his soon to be wife, Brenda Lyall. From here he volunteered for the Submarine Service and was transferred to Halifax, NS, where his two children, Danielle and Craig were born. After spending a few years as cook globe-trotting underwater on HMCS Okanagan he was transferred to CFB Kingston, Ont. where he spent a couple very hectic years honing his cooking skills and taking up sky-diving. From there he was sent west again to Manitoba, first with the PPCLI at Kapyong Barracks, Winnipeg and then with 1 RCHA in Shilo, MB. It was here in Manitoba where he rekindled the loves of the outdoorsman, snowmobiling, trapping and hunting, with many subsequent stories and adventures. During this time also he did a tour of duty in Skopje, Macedonia and was also selected on the crew to bring the “new” submarines purchased from Britain back to Canada. This tasking resulting in a nearly year-long stint in Barrow-in-Furness, England and then the long voyage from there on board the HMCS Chicoutimi to Halifax and then HMCS Victoria to CFB Esquimalt in Victoria, BC. Here he renewed his love of diving and requalified as ship’s diver, devoting many, many contented hours in the silence of the deep with nothing but the sound of bubbles to distract him from the beauty down there. During his time in Victoria he was assigned to HMCS Victoria, HMCS Vancouver and HMCS Protecteur and just to get him dried off a bit, he also did a tour of duty at the Golan Heights on the Syrian Border. He also found himself transferred back to his motherland, Quebec, CFB Bagotville to be exact, where he spent a couple of years before being transferred back to CFB Esquimalt. By now he was a grandfather of two adorable boys, Jessie and Nikolai who helped him from getting too serious. He found his last posting on board the submarine HMCS Victoria challenging but equally rewarding. The camaraderie on board was very special to him. Throughout his 28 year military career he has come to make many dear friends and hundreds of memorable workmates. He has been a very dedicated soldier and sailor and made many personal sacrifices for his second family. Richard was never one to enjoy sitting on the sidelines. He was a man of action and he died in an accident doing the sport he loved. He will be sorely missed by his family who only wish they’d had more time to share his life.
Memorial Service to be held at the Naden Drill Hall on CFB Esquimalt, Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Military Family Resource Centre and the program of your choice. Condolences for the family may be offered below.
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Pierre Lemire (CWO Ret'd)
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Fred Connor It was with shock that I learned of Richards passing, Richard loved life in all of its capacities, from work to fun and family.
Richard was at various times my boss, my Karate partner and partner when we went for our Black belt together.
Richard was a motivator, said it the way it is, and a source of advice.
He will be greatly missed by family, friends and those who knew Richard.
Rest well my friend
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Robert Wooley (Drifter) Rich has been sorley missed. I wish I could do more but I can offer my condolences. True sorry for your loss…
Peace
drifter
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Carlos Fabian Maciel My most sincere condolences to the Family, we will miss you in OTaC Richard, friend rests in peace.
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Andrew Congram My deepest sympathy to Brenda and family. I worked with
Richard years ago in Portage last Prairie, Manitoba
and we had some great times. I am sorry for your
loss. RIP Richard. XoAndy Congram
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Caroline Gauthier Richard a été mon patron et je n’ai que de bons commentaires et un grand respect pour un gars comme lui.
Il était toujours présent et tellement bon pour son équipe. Un leader exceptionnel qui savait aller chercher le meilleur de chaque personne et surtout: qui n’a jamais abuser de son pouvoir.
UN HOMME D’HONNEUR.
Mes sympathies à la famille Boileau.
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Linda Swidnicki (O'Neil) Dear Brenda & family
I had the priviledge working with Richard a few decades ago in his early years and I can remember him having a lot of drive, spirit and a good heart . My deepest condolences to you Brenda and to all of your family members. You are in my Prayers
Take care
Linda
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Bruno Rainville Brenda, enfants, petits enfants et famille Boileau,
I received the news this morning via the Military Logistic Newspaper, I had to read the article several times before it sunk in and I’m still numbed about the whole thing. Rick and I had recently exchanged messages via internet and his future seemed so promising and well deserved. We joined the military together, we were roomates in Borden back in the 80’s, briefly saw each other at the Tel Aviv airport during a UN Mission hand-over in the mid 2000’s and recently spent 2 years in Bagotville together where we had a chance to reconnect and spend a few weeks on our Leadership course at St-Jean sur le Richelieu. Brenda, I’m very sad for you and the kids, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. If there’s anything that I can do to help you let me know. I will miss him so much, life won’t be the same without Richard. Bruno (un petit gars de Waterloo,Qc)
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Daniel Hoban Although I did not know Richard very well, I woudl like to pass on my sincerest condolences to his family. It’s never easy to understand why we lose such wonderful people so yong, but I;m hopeful there is a grander plan for him beyond our comprehension.
Cheers and CGod Bless.
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Teri Pound Brenda,
As your coworker i wanted you to know i am very saddened and sorry for your loss. I learned of this at work just yesterday and wanted to send my love to you and your family…..all my love!
Teri P.
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JEAN-FRANCOIS.BARRETTE Richard, nous étions lié par un lien fantastique…le 8326 nos recrues nous ont permis de nous connaitre et de débuté une carrière militaire côte à côte, nous nous sommes toujours suivi peut importe ou nous étions. Richard tu va me manquer. To all his family and friend everywhere my condolences.
Richard au revoir
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joe blais brenda and family my most sincere condolences
richard and i had alot of fun times together in victoria
will miss him alot and my thoughts are with youjoe blais
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Stew Bailey & Susana Brenda,
We were shocked to hear of Richard’s passing.
Our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Stew remembers the many adventures on the Assinobine, in a leaky boat…his laughter, Sense of humour . The many good times will keep his memories alive.
We will miss him dearly.
If there is anything we can do , please let us know…we were unable to attend the memorial.
With all our love and condolences
Stew & Susana
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Jake McDavid Richard was an impressive man and good friend. I will always remember him as a proud submariner, great cook, lover of life and a gentleman who enjoyed a good libation and friendly debate. Richard’s return to the cook occupation as a CPO1 this year was greatly anticipated, he will be missed.
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Rick Nickerson My deepest sympathy goes out to Brenda and family of the loss of Richard. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with him on several occasions, he will certainly be missed.
I will keep you all in my prayers.Rick
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Darrell & Marlene Mackay I recall a time where we all gathered for a pot luck. Mac &I, Kirky&Dar, and of course Tater Tot and Brenda. Even as a joke Mac told me to buy a bag to tater dots and we would have that instead of potatoes. Well the boys were in charge of the chicken wings…….outside using the turkey fryer we had just brought home from Florida. there were various passthroughs for provisions by each of them within the next hour but no one asked for the roasting pan to pick up the wings out of their bathing oil! All Brenda,me and Dar heard was .”relax girls pour up a ceasar, some wine…a beer…little cooler perhaps,,,,WE WILL TAKE CARE OF EVRYTHING,!!!!
“we just put em on! Or not quite yet,,,patience girls we donT want to serve you with pink wings, Richard was adamant,,,No one is food poisoned on my watch,,,,hmmm the next time we saw them, the girls were out of wine & caesars, the cans were the only pile deeper than the s?!t chucking pile, the wings were reduced to something from the
smithsonian and the tater tots were still frozen solid! we laughed about it for years to come. Richards unique ever-ready smile, sense of family, both his own and his Navy family all enjoyed being targets of his humour. He always had an electric smile and big bear hug each time he had an occasion to drop in to the clinic, he always checked in with me too….and asking about Mac.
Brenda, thank you for sharing this unique and loving person with us even for a short time. Let the shoulders of many help with your heavy burden, we are hear for you my friend,
Ox Marlene &Mac
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Gord Darrah So sorry for your loss, I was lucky to have known Richard and I will always remember him for his great sense of humour. He will be missed by all.
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Karen (Turner) Hadley Brenda & Family,
Please accept our sympathies at this time. I believe I met you way last century before we had kids or were even married.
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jamie phelps so sorry for your loss
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Blair Young I worked with Richard in Kingston at the Fort in the early 90″s. We spent alot of time fishing as much as we could anyways with Craig And Barry. we always had good times there. He will be missed by all that came into contact with him.
Sorry for your loss he will be missed
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Curt McNamee I was lucky enough to share a week together with Richard. During that time, Richard showed me what a great man he was, strong values, compassion, deep family spirit and integrity. I loved listening to all his stories !!!
My heart pores out to his family and all he left behind.
Richard !!!, you were well loved and will truly be missed by all.
My Condolences,
Curt McNamee
Mill Creek, WA
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Jacob Underwood Sincerely sorry for your loss. He was a great man and will be deeply missed.
Jake
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Marc and Shelley Alain Brenda and family
I worked with Richard at Sub Sqn from 1986 to 1988. I was delighted that I could help Richard out back then when I volunteered to sail on a Sub, so that he could be home with Brenda for the birth of their child. It has been a while and I do not remember if it was the birth of Danielle or Craig. I had the pleasure of seeing Richard again in Jan of 2007 for our QL7 Course; it was at that time we reacquainted our selves with the past and what had transpired since then in our careers. Richard had all kinds of friends because he was a great person, and I will miss him dearly. I would like to offer Brenda and Family my deepest condolences.
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Bruce and Joan Bekkema Brenda and family
Both Joan and I worked with Richard here in Shilo. Joan on many mess dinners at the officers mess where she was the head waitress and supevisor while I was the food purchaser at the mens mess.
We both found Richard to be a friendly and knowlegable NCO and easy to get along with. I’m sure he is missed by all those who came in contact with him.
Our condolances.
Bruce and Joan Bekkema
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Sonny AKA Hondaslzman So sorry for your lost. My prayers go out to Brenda and family. Richard was a great guy ,a good member of our server and will be sadly missed. God bless.
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Kevin Flannigan Brenda and family , So sorry for your loss. He was a good friend ,co worker and hunting buddy, many fond memories of our hunts in the Shilo area , and up north in Snow Lake.
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Chris Richardson I sailed with Rich on Okanagan so many years ago for one short trip. He was a true professional and always quick with a smile. My condolences for his family and friends.
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Raymond Hill Brenda and Family, I am not sure if you recall me, I was the KO with 2PPCLI in Shilo and Richard was one of the best cooks that I had ever known and most certainly had the pleasure of serving with.
Richard and I had travelled to and from Camp Ripley in Minnesota on two separate occassions and I had the opportunity to get to know one another very well. He was a truly dedicated soldier and I am sure, a phenominal husband/father and Grandfather. I am truly sorry for your loss, I will always have fond memories of Richard, he was a friend indeed.
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Darrell & Marlene Mackay Brenda and family, our sincerest condolence for your loss. Richard was the best shipmate and friend a fellow sailor could ask for. We joked a lot and I even nicknamed him. We talked about everything and we confided in each other about everything, I can not believe he is gone. He will be forever in our hearts.
Our thoughts are with you and your family
Mack and Marlene
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James Barth My condolences to Brenda and family on the tragic loss of Richard. He was a good boss who taught me to see the better side of people and renewed my love of cooking, God bless rest in peace Richard
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Randy Scott My deepest sympathy. As shipmates on HMCS Vancouver I could always depend on Richard to uplift spirits when it was a little low. I will miss him.
CPO1(Retired) RM Scott
Chief Engineer HMCS Vancouver
2006 – 2008
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Paul (ByDand) Gordon Richard (Subcookie to me) was always in good spirits, he was a please to speak with and always had a witty comeback. He will truly be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Paul
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CWO Stephane Marcoux Brenda Daniel and Craig
I am truly saddened by Richard’s death. As his Career Manager for the pass two years we have had many conversations. Richard was more than just a friend; he was an amazing person. His passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Respecfully
Stephane Marcoux
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James Haynes Brenda, Danielle and Craig and Family.
Richard was the best. I spent time with him 2000-2004 In Halifax and England. He always put a smile on my face. He will be sadly missed by each that knew him. RIP Richard.
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Tyler Newman My sincerest condolences to the family. I enjoyed the times I got out diving with Richard. He will be missed in the diving community.
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Jean Gallagher Brenda, Danielle and Craig my sympathy from the bottom of my heart. He was my friend, he was a mentor he was a crucial part of my success onboard Victoria, he had my back. I will miss him, All of us Submariner – Ex Submariner will deeply miss him.
Fairwell Richard tu va me manquer.
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Stephane Marcotte Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.
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Adjuc Normand Sauvageau Mme Brenda Boileau, Danielle and Craig,
On behalf of all the cooks of Montreal region. I would like to express our deepest sympathy for your lost. We which you courage in this time of great sorrow.
Farewell Richard, tu nous manqueras.‘’ Je me souviens’’
Adjudant chef Normand Sauvageau
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paul brown Danielle, Brenda and Craig,
I extend my deepest and sincere sympathies. Richard will be dearly missed by all of us. Though I did not have a lot of time with Richard, it was an honour to know him such a person of integrity, sound judgment, honesty and subtle humour..
Paul
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Ron Heffernan Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.I have not had the privilage of meeting you, yet we are connected as brothers in arms. Rest now Chief we have the watch.
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Patrick Young Brenda
On behalf of the Young Family, I would like to convey our outmost sympathy, words cannot adequately express our grief.
Richard and I joined together as cooks in 1983 and are career paths crossed several times.
In this difficult moment, our prayers and thoughts are with you, Danielle & Craig.
Respectfully yours,
Patrick Young.
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Jim Bussell I met Richard two years ago via computer and grew to like him and his humor. He will not only be missed by his family and friends in Canada, but he is missed by his friends around the world who have had the opportunity to chat and enjoy good times with him and to call him friend.
Jim
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Mark /MrMackeyMkay Brenda and family I just heard of Richard leaving us. I will miss the joking and calm demeanor he brought to us over the past years online. It is a great sadness for us OTaC. I want you to know that our thoughts are with your family.
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Mike Ho So sorry for your lost. My prayers go out to Brenda and family. Richard will be deeply missed. God bless.
RIP subcookie
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Gavin brenda and family, i am so sorry to hear off richards passing, i knew off richard [aka sub-cookie] from on-line , i have spoke to richard often on line and allways found him to be a very desecnt person, and also quick with a laugh, richard you will be deeply miss by alll who knew you but never forgotten,
Gavin Barnett
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Neil Patterson (WO Retired) My deepest condolence at your time of loss.
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Joe Merritt Brenda and family, my sincerest condolences. Richard and I worked togeher in Shilo, he will be missed deeply. During some long hard hours He provided many laughs both on and off the job.
My thoughts are with all of you.
Joe Merritt
Pierre Lemire says:
Today Dec 7th 2012) by simple random I find that Richard has passed away in May 2012. I did not know and I am at a loss for words on his passing. I read all of the comments from people and the words used, in every case is not a surprise to me. I did not work with Richard but I had met him on several occasions while working and also being his career manager 2003 to 2007.
I am so sad to see his name in the section of the Cook Website because I found him to be a very strong individual militarily speaking, friend and supervisor. He is actually the only person who actually took the time to give me a Sub Tour when I Victoria last 2006. I have nothing but kind words for this man who gave his all consistently and…….what a funny guy he was.
It is with heavy heart and deep sadness that I offer my condolences to his wife and family.