Our dear Dad, Richard Herbert Michael Anthony passed away on November 22, 2017. He was born February 12, 1938 in Winnipeg, the only child of Dorothea and M.F.E. Anthony. His Father was a career RCMP officer whose career took them across Canada and so Dad had many homes and attended many schools where he made some life-long friends.

Dad attended the University of Alberta through the Canadian Officers Training Corps as a Provost Corps officer and received his BA and LLB. He continued to serve in the Army Reserve as an officer in the Military Police for 25 years. He served with the Alberta Attorney Generals department in Edmonton from 1961 to 1972 and was the youngest Chief Crown Prosecutor ever appointed. In 1973, he took over as the Chairman of the Alberta Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) where he was instrumental in the development of treatment centres for the aboriginal community, with Poundmakers Lodge and the Neche Institute. He had a penchant for cowboy boots and western suits, and could often be seen in his official capacity looking like a cattle baron or ranch owner.

In 1975, Dad moved our family to Victoria, BC with the idea of owning a home near the water while going back to practicing law with a private law firm, Hallatt, Stewart and Gow.

In 1978, he went to work in the Provincial Government and shortly after he went back to his preferred role as a Prosecutor becoming the head of the Regional Crown Counsel office in Victoria. He was later asked to take the position of Special Advisor for Police Services where he served until retiring and starting his own private security and investigation agency.

He was a Reserve Police Officer with the Oak Bay Police for 15 years and designed and implemented the current Regional Reserve Police Officer training program.

Dad eventually took full retirement and spent his time traveling and staying active with his car collecting buddies.

He was an academic with a head full of brilliant ideas and extensive knowledge, not to mention outspoken opinions, but at the same time he was as comfortable under the hood of a car or on a race track as he was in a courtroom. He was car-crazy, with muscle cars and sports cars being his favourites. He raced cars in the 60s and 70s and was very active in the auto race world, and was honoured to be the official race-starter and clerk of the course for the Trans-Am race in Edmonton in the early 70s.

He was an innovator and an instigator, pushing the limits of conservatism and always championing new ideas and techniques for public safety. He was a friend to all and had a heart of gold. His approachability and kind nature made him an instant friend to many who remained friends for life.

Richard is lovingly remembered and missed by his loving companion Lucy Waldo, children Rick (Christine), Brad, and Michelle (Peter) and his wonderful grandson James, his former wife Adele, his furry friends Cooper and Tango and many friends both near and far whose friendships he cherished.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Flowers gratefully declined.

Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society in Richard’s memory.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

 

  • Chrysta Pratt

    Rick, Bradley and Michelle,

    I am so sorry to hear this news of your dad’s passing. I lived next door to him for many years in Duncan with fond memories of playing cards with him in his garage and our dinners together, on occasion, just he and I. He was always so kind and sweet with me and I will miss him dearly.

    Always, Chrysta (Durdle) Pratt

  • Sandy (nee Fox)

    Deepest condolences to the entire family. I worked with Richard at the Victoria Crown Office. It was always a pleasure to run into him in the downtown area and catch up. He was so proud of his children.

  • Robert and Doreen Newton

    We offer our heartfelt condolences to the extended family of Richard Anthony upon his recent passing. Richard was my esteemed classmate and friend of 60 years, having graduated together from the University of Alberta faculty of law in 1961 and having kept in touch through the years, both professionally and personally. We hope our happy memories of Richard will comfort all of us in this time of grief. Please let us know of the time and place of any Celebration of his Life you plan.

  • David H Searle, CM, QC

    My sincere condolences to Richard’s family. I knew Richard for nearly 60 years. We attended law school together at the U of A and graduated in 61. We also attended the C Pro C school in Camp Shilo together. And we kept in touch over the last several years.

    I wish to attend his Celebration of Life.

    I will truly miss Richard. RIP

  • Barbara Bagan

    Dear Michelle,

    I offer deepest sympathies to you and your sweet family. Your father was truly a remarkable man. He will live in your memories and you are blessed as are so many he touched in such amazing ways. Blessings of peace and love to all of you.

  • John Mothersill

    Rick, Brad and Michelle;

    I was very sorry to see your father’s obituary this morning. It described so well his many interests and adventures in life. I remember particularly well adventures in fishing and trips to school in a wide variety of vehicles. I was glad to have had the chance to visit with him a couple of years ago.

    I am thinking of all of you in this difficult time.

  • Myrna and Rob Pawlick

    Dearest Michelle. Rob an I send our deepest condolences to you and Peter and your entire family May your loving memories of him comfort you

    Rob and a Myrna Pawlick

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