Rick is survived by his loving wife Joan Kathleen, son Adam, daughter Darlana (Gregory Bartle), two granddaughters Lucy and Tessa, mother Maxine, and sister Linda McKenzie (Gordon). Predeceased by father Ed Withers.
Rick was raised in West Vancouver. He excelled in sports and math at Hillside Secondary School, and earned his BA and BEd in Math and Computer Science at UBC, before earning the honour of being the first student enrolled in Computer Science Masters Program at UBC in 1977.
His first teaching position in 1978 was in MRSS where he proved to be innovative and where he met Joan. By 1980, he was selected to be District Principal in Charge of Computer Technology before moving on to Victoria and ETC, and The Ministry of Education. He continued to be a respected leader in computer technology in BC until he retired from ERAC, September 2011.
Rick accepted the Alzheimers Diagnosis in late 2012 knowing the family would always support him. He fought the illness with grace and calm.
In recognition of his passion for baseball and coaching kids, his family and friends had two softball dugouts built in Rick’s honour for Lakehill Little League, located at Ambassador Park, Saanich, BC.
There will be a gathering of friends, family, former colleagues, sports fans, pickle-ballers, golfers, tennis and squash players in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, at 10:00 am on Monday, August 14, 2017, with Jim Lauder officiating.
“Children are welcome.”
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
11 Responses
Dear Joan, Darlana, Adam and family,
Our thoughts and love surround you at this sad time.
Rick was truly a wonderful husband and father.
We have known each other for so many years, and I remember fondly standing with you as you married your beloved Rick.
Remember that your treasured memories will live on forever!
with our deepest sympathy,
Mary Anne and Peter