(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
22 Responses
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
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.
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 ,,,
Joanna,
We are so sorry about Rick’s passing. He will be sorely missed. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
John and Pauline Langdon
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!
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.
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
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
My condolences to Rick’s family and friends. His death is a loss to you and to the community.
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