(Rick) Albert Norton Richards Senkler, only child of Albert Edmund and Jesse (Betty) Senkler (Rankin) died suddenly on March 9, 2016 after a short illness. He was predeceased by his parents and by his wife Mary (Nation) Senkler, mother of his children.
He is survived by his two children Heather Katherine Senkler and Philip Albert Senkler, his cousin Jaime Fennell for whom he was a father figure and by his wife Joanna Drewry Senkler.
Born in Victoria, Rick attended Malvern House School, Oak Bay Junior and Senior High Schools and the University of Victoria. He served his articles to become a chartered accountant with Thorne Riddell (KPMG).
During his career, he worked for BC Transit, BC Ferries, Glendale Lodge Society, the District of Sooke, the Greater Victoria Water District, and the Corps of Commissionaires. From 2005 until his retirement in 2014, he was employed with VIH Aviation Group as Vice-president, Finance.
Rick loved to be of service in his community and to that end he served on the board of the Victoria Seniors Housing Society for 11 years, facilitating the construction of several major buildings. He was a long-time dedicated member of the Vancouver Island Model Engineers (VIME), and was well-known for the railroad that he built on his two acre property on Quayle Road.
He was a 25 year member of the Gyro Club of Victoria and was active on the executive of that organization for many years, serving as President from 2002 to 2003.
He was recently elected President of the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society (SHAS) Foundation. During the past year, he was instrumental in providing a strategic planning framework for that group for which he had served as Treasurer for several years. He served on the fundraising and finance committees of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) and was a member of the Board of the HCP for the past two years. He served as Chair of the Board of Variance for the District of North Saanich for the past three years, serving on that committee since 2008.
Rick was passionate about trains and he travelled throughout North America to enjoy a variety of train experiences from the Yukon to California to New York. He and his son had five engines which they enjoyed running both for VIME special events and for birthday parties. His daughter joined him in working to enhance the visitor’s experience at Saanich Historical Artifacts (Heritage Acres).
Rick and his wife Joanna travelled extensively during the past 9 years, enjoying trips to Palm Springs, Ottawa, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Italy, Croatia, Austria, Slovenia, Greece, Turkey and England. In 2015, they travelled to Horningtoft, Norfolk, England to discover the Senkler family records dating back to the 18th century.
Rick was a consummate host who loved to entertain and the garden he and Joanna created was the site of many memorable parties including their wedding. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of BC and Victoria history and loved to regale his friends with tales of the past. He loved to cook, to entertain and to provide a home where all were welcome.
Rick’s extended family include Margaret Lynn Senkler of Vancouver, her children Susan (Bill) and David (Gail) and their children; David and Nancy Hodgson and their children and spouses; his brother-in-law Robert Nation and his wife Helen as well as the Nation family cousins Michael (Joy), Thea, Peter (Diane), Sarah (Leslie) and their children.
A great-grandson of Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Albert Norton Richards (1876 – 1881) and grandson of prominent Vancouver lawyer John Harold Senkler, Rick was proud of the role his family had played in B.C.’s history. Throughout his life, he exemplified a tireless commitment to service to his community, to his wide circle of friends and to his family. His was a life well lived, ended far too soon.
Thanks to all the staff at the Cardiovascular Unit and the Intensive Care Unit of Jubilee Hospital for their care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saanich Historical Artifacts Foundation, the Vancouver Island Model Engineers or the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at Mary Winspear Centre, Bodine Hall on Saturday, March 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Glenda
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Lindsay McDonnell I wish to send condolences on the untimely death of Rick Senkler. He was a close friend of mine and my wife Catherine. We both shared a love of large passenger carrying model trains, especially steam locomotives. He was helpful in starting the Vancouver Is. Model Engineers while I was President of the BC Society of Model Engineers in Burnaby BC. I was privileged to be one of the first to un my steam locomotive around his new track at Quayle Rd. He was a member of BCSME when he lived at Lions Bay and participated in expanding our club. Rick was always a popular and positive influence in the hobby. We expect him to be enjoying life in the Roundhouse in the Sky. Please pass on our sentiments to Philip and Heather and Joanna.
Lindsay McDonnell
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Marie Rogers Dear Heather, Philip and Joanna,
I was stunned to hear of Rick’s passing. I feel so sorry for you all, as I imagine his sudden loss would be very difficult to accept and adjust to. I remember him from when I was a child and our family stayed at your home, but most of my memories are more recent. He was an enormous help and support to me after Martin died, helping me to figure out what to do with Cowans Point Railway. I always knew I could trust him as he would tell me straight up what something was worth, or worth keeping. He was a great friend of Martin’s, and I think he enjoyed his interactions with me and my children as a way to remember his friend.
It’s so hard when someone you love dies. I wish you all the very best as you cope through these days and adjust to your life without him. I wish I could attend his service this weekend, but being Easter, we have other commitments.
All the best,
Marie Rogers
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John & Kathy Young We will always remember the friendship and generosity of Rick. It was great traveling with him through life for the past 15 years that we knew each other. We are looking forward to continuing the journey with you Joanna.
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Tracey Gudgeon(Zeinstra) So sorry to hear of the passing of your Father …. Although it has been many many years … but I remember your dad and his train in the back yard on Quayle and the joy that was always on his face when he rode them …. My thoughts and Prayers go out to you and your sister at this difficult time ,,,
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John & Pauline Langdon Joanna,
We are so sorry about Rick’s passing. He will be sorely missed. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
John and Pauline Langdon
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Bill McCracken Sorry to hear of your loss, Phillip and Heather! I still remember your Dad at EVERY soccer game! I’m sure you will miss him!
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Wendy Moreton I was so very sad to read of Rick’s sudden passing, my heart goes out to Joanna and Rick’s family. He was a truly gentle man, and knew more about almost everything than anyone I know. My husband Pete and I met Rick when we first moved to Victoria about 20 years ago, and I remember him making a special effort to welcome us first to his Gyro family and then his own family. He always had time to talk and to share a story, and you always felt you had his full attention when you were talking with him, a rare quality, but one that leaves a lasting impression. He is off educating others now in his wonderful way, he will be missed.
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JIM WINTER DEAR JOANNA,
Sharron and I were sad to hear of Rick’s passing. We know from your letters what a lovely life you both had together and how much you will miss him.
Our condolences and thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
JIM AND SHARRON
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Holly vickers To Heather and family – Sorry for your loss. He had a passion and energy about him and was one of the few people I know who would build a working train in his front yard; he also showed up at the end of the West Coast trail to pick us dusty smelly hikers up and feed us the most welcome chocolate cake. I remember his always as a kind and funny railcard lover
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Vicky Vickers My condolences to Rick’s family and friends. His death is a loss to you and to the community.
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Jim and Christina Scott Dear Family:
We share in feeling the void that Rick’s sudden passing has left. The beautiful obituary fleshed out a life of lively vibrancy and commitment to many. We remember so vividly the memorable wedding day to his beautiful and loving wife, Joanna who truly contributed to his personal journey of recognizing his Higher Self. To tease him, and call him out on certain issues was pure delight for some of us! Rick’s sudden departure has reminded many of us how precious and short life and relationships really are and, for us, to take the time to share love and uplifting comments to one another! Rick, bless you as you soar–Light and more Life awaits you…. and next time, clean out the garage!!! We regret that we cannot attend the service as we will be attending a wedding in Calgary. Love and hugs Jim and Christina Scott
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Sue preece I’m very sorry for your loss! I met Rick back in September 1989 when I walked in to the GVWD to apply for a job. He contacted me later for an interview and then after, offered me a job. Within a few months, I met my future husband & father of my 2 children. 25 years later, I am still at the GVWD (now the CRD) & happily married to the boy I met at work. I absolutely credit my good fortune to Rick, for taking a chance on me so many years ago….one he may have regretted afterwards, lol!!
Again, I am very sorry for your family’s loss….he was a good man!
Sue Preece
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Ken Smith My sincere condolences to Rick’s family. Rick and I went through school together and were close ‘buddies’ through Junior and Senior High, as well as being involved in Scouting. He was a kind and generous man.
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Michael Denton What a shock! A very sad loss and my sincere condolences to his wife Joanna and his family. I had the pleasure of working with Rick at BC Ferries and we reconnected in Victoria when he was working for VIH. He was very helpful at all times, a great, tireless and passionate worker in the community. Rick was a wonderful man to know and I’m so sorry to know of his death. I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend his service as I’ll still be away travelling in USA. Thank you Rick for all you did.
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Gerry Parker To Family and Friends,
I worked with Rick for many years at BC Ferries and will always remember one trip where I drove Rick and I from Nanaimo up to Port Hardy to catch a ferry to Prince Rupert. Rick had story after story to tell about the various trains, the sections of railway lines and the history of the area, the logging that had occurred, and more. The hours flew by. From there we boarded a ferry and went up to the very top, outside, as we travelled through the Inside Passage. I’ll always remember looking back, seeing Rick standing on top of the the top deck, the wind whipping through his perfectly groomed hair, and an ear to ear smile pasted across his face making him look like a boy again. Rest in peace, Rick, and thanks for the great memories.
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Doug Evans To Family and Friends,
My deepest condolences. Rick was a generous and caring man and will be missed by all of us who knew him. May he rest in peace and enjoy his “next life” as fully as this one.
I was privileged to call him my friend.
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Mike Dunsmuir Hello I would like to offer me condolences to your family for your loss. I wanted to let you know that I met Rick very briefly one day prior to a board of variance in North Saanich in Feb. 2015 for a home that I designed that required a relaxation. The moment he stepped out of the car on site he struck me as a very humble and wise man. Sometimes BOV hearings can be intimidating, and stressful, but Rick made me feel at ease in his manner, and made the process a little easier. He was very professional and conducted the hearing with a sense of service to his community.
Many times in life we don’t know who we touch or who we impact in life. As soon as I saw his face I recognized and said ‘I know that man’ and sure enough I read on to see it was him. He did lead a very interesting and full life, an inspiration to us all. It is the simple gestures that go the longest way.
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Dick and Connie Zeinstra So sorry to hear of your Dads passing Phil. You are in our thoughts.
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Patricia Williamson Condolences from family members Katherine (Fennell) Williamson and daughter Patricia.
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Erin, Will, and Jamie Heather, we are thinking of you and your family. Much love to you. I’m so sorry that he’s gone.
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patty-anne lea It is a sincere condolences that my family and I offer to you and all who loved him.
On so many ways, Rick will be missed.
Dear Joanna,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Rick’s recent death. Our warmest thoughts go out to you as we remember him. He was full of enthusiasm, ideas and joie de vivre at our grad committee meetings, always ready to pitch in and help. And together you were such fantastic hosts. I am so glad you eventually found each other and were able to share some very happy years together. Sandy joins me in sending our sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy.
Glenda