Dick was predeceased by his wife Doris and son Alan. He is survived by his brother Robert Creech, sister Betty Miller, children Jill (Mark Charlton), Richard, Ted (Barb), Cameron (Jen) and daughter-in-law Pam. The dynasty continues with Dick’s much-loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dick was born and raised in Victoria, BC. He joined the Canadian Merchant Navy as a teenager in WW2. Afterwards, he earned his CGA which lead to
his career in the Federal Government Income Tax Branch. Promotions took him from a junior tax accountant in Victoria on to Ottawa, Thunder Bay and finally to Ottawa again as a Director General. In the workplace, Dick was respected for his intelligence, diplomacy and keen wit, and his advocacy for gender equality. Upon retirement, Dick returned home to his treasured Victoria.
Dick and Doris enjoyed 65 years of marriage. They shared a love of travel adventures: a month-long freighter trip in the Pacific, European and Caribbean vacations, southern USA visits, and many holidays to Hawaii including the memorable 50th anniversary trip “Maui 50” accompanied by all 24 Creechs. He was an active member of many volunteer organizations: Horticultural Societies, Power and Sail Squadrons, Fish-and-Game Clubs, political parties, Retired Income Tax Employees and Merchant Navy Veterans Association. Dick and Doris passed their keen interest in outdoor activities on to their children. An oft-repeated motto was “Life is good”.
His family was of paramount importance. Dick’s proudest accomplishment was caring for Doris especially through the last difficult years of her life.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 am on November 12, 2017 in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice in his name.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Scott McElligott
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Bonnie Dear Friends – Jill, Mark, Kate and family. I am so sorry for your loss and grief. Dick was a kind and loving and amusing friend. His love of life and adventure is an example I hold in my heart and hope to be like Dick & Doris when I grow-up! Hugs to you as you remember his love and gentle smile.
Xoxo Bonnie
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Nina Jason Dear Jill, Ted and Cam,
I do not often read obituaries but I was seeking information in the Ottawa Citizen today when I happened across your Dad’s name and photo. I am shocked and deeply saddened about his passing and I want to convey my condolences to you.
Your Father was a true friend to my Dad, Marvin Jason, and they had a mutual admiration and respect. Our Fathers worked together three or four years and then, when the Anti-Inflation Board was terminated and they found work in other departments, they would meet fairly frequently for lunch, and they kept up to date. Later, when your Dad retired and moved back to British Columbia, they continued their communication, but less frequently, although your Father usually got out for a lunch with my Dad when visiting you all in Ottawa.
Your Dad was a hard working public servant from what my Dad told me. He was so intelligent, able to analyse and see people for who they were and what they could contribute. Your father saw the positive in others and he was very encouraging. From my communication with your Dad it was obvious that he was a diplomatic man with a profound sense of responsibility towards you, his children, and his beloved wife, Doris. You all made him so proud.
Qualities of your Father that come to mind immediately are: empathy, the ability to care, nurture and love. He shared his deep pain and grief during Alan’s brief illness and subsequent passing. He explained too how he protected your Mom from knowing her true diagnosis in order for her to live with fewer worries. Your Mom and all of you were the object of his love.
I also fondly remember a small reflection of your Dad’s sense of humour when he once said to my Dad that the 2002 Canadian Almanac showed that, on average, my Dad had 7.24 years of life remaining and that he, at 82, was down to 6.43 years. He quipped that surely that was long enough for both of them to meet again?
After my Dad’s death, your Dad gave me great comfort through his eloquent writing. He was generous and kind with the words he chose and I remain forever grateful.
Your Dad was a real “mensch” which can be translated to a real gentleman. He was such a good man, in every sense, and we are all poorer with his passing. I will never forget him.
With all my love,
Nina Jason
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Jock Williams Ted
Although I never met your dad it is obvious that he was quite a guy! I am sure that you are very proud of him, and equally sure that he was very proud of you. Neither of us will ever forget our fathers -but we will pass along their values and beliefs through us. Paul and Nick and I join in offering our condolences and in wishing you all the best.
Best regards
Paul, Nick and Jock Williams
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Kevin Cotten Ted and family, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. Truly a life well lived. You must have many happy memories to remember him by…
Kevin and Alexandria
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Edward Poznanski Dear Ted,
Our deepest condolences.
Ed & family
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Roy and Diane Forestell Ted, our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Keith and Lois McLellan Dear Jill, Ted and Cam;
Sorry for the loss of your father. Even when you think you are prepared the blow is always greater than expected. But with time the pain grows smaller. I hope you all have wonderful lives hereafter and enjoy your children and grandchildren.
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Margaret and Philip Bott Our deepest sympathies for your loss from your former neighbours on Donnington Place, Ottawa
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Edward Lauer We are among many at Bell’s Corners United Church in Nepean who well remember Doris and Dick. Marilyn and Doris were both in the choir. Our condolences to all of you. Ed and Marilyn Lauer
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Janet Bruce My dearest Jill, our condolences to you and your brothers. You are in my thoughts always.
Love Janet and Larry
Very sorry to hear of your loss. We have such fond memories growing up next to your family. We always talk about the Creech clan and the great connections to Graham Park. Wishing you the best during this difficult time.
Scott & Doris McElligott