Date of Birth: October 17, 1947
Date of Death: July 14, 2016
Robert “Bob” Richardson was born Oct. 17, 1947 in Melville, Sask. to William and Elizabeth Richardson and sadly left us suddenly on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at the age of 68.
Bob received his education in Melville and Watrous. In 2002 he retired after many years of service with the CNR.
Bob loved life and lived every day to its fullest. He had many passions, first and foremost being his love for his wife, Karen, which was evident to everyone. Growing up, Bob participated in football, baseball, fastball and hockey. Of all the sports he played, hockey was number one. He played for several teams, including the Yorkton Senior Terriers and the Melville Millionaires. Bob held many positions with the Millionaires including player, executive and assistant coach. Additionally, he played an important role with Melville Minor Sports and the Melville Millionaire baseball team. Bob selflessly volunteered with all of these organizations and wherever and whenever the community needed him. In the little spare time he had, Bob could be found at garage sales, gardening and supporting the local coffee row.
Bob and Karen’s exuberance for sports led to travelling to local, national and international events, including baseball, fastball, curling, lacrosse, football and, most often, hockey. This was highlighted annually by attending the World Junior Hockey Championships, resulting in many life-long friendships.
The World Juniors took them to Winnipeg, Halifax, Grand Forks, Vancouver, Ottawa, Saskatoon,
Buffalo, Calgary, Sweden and Toronto. The most memorable championship was in 2005 at Grand Forks when Bob proposed to Karen. CFL football has taken Bob and Karen to Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg and Grey Cups in Toronto, Vancouver and Regina.
Bob was an avid collector of Saskatchewan Roughriders, Edmonton Oilers and Team Canada memorabilia, as well as all things Melville. Bob’s continuous dedication for the Melville Millionaires is most evident in his collection of memorabilia and the creation of the Melville Millionaire Hockey Museum, which is his greatest legacy. As Bob would always say, “Once a Millionaire, always a Millionaire.”
Bob was predeceased by his parents, William and Elizabeth Richardson; his brothers, Bryan, Tommy, Billy (Mabel); his niece, Gisele Martin; and brother-in-law, Blaine Chornawka.
He leaves to celebrate his memory: his wife, Karen; nieces, Bonnie Baverstock (Mike Sietsma), Ameliasburgh, Ont.; Tamberlyn Richardson, Toronto, Ont.; PaddyJo Zwilling (Stephen), Picton, Ont.; Laura-Lee Cooke (Kevin), Ottawa, Ont.; numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; the Kohlenberg family: Bev Wassell (Terry), Melville, Sask.; Garth Kohlenberg, Vancouver, B.C.; Donna Chornawka, Calgary, Alta.; Cory Kohlenberg, Edmonton, Alta.; and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many, many friends and acquaintances.
A celebration of Bob’s life was held Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at the Horizon Credit Union Centre, Melville, with Brenda Zelko presiding. Memories on behalf of the family were presented by brother-in-law, Cory Kohlenberg and Don Chesney shared stories of Bob’s involvement with the Millionaires.
A video presentation highlighting Bob’s life was shown, and “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John, “The Hockey Song” by Stompin’ Tom, “Green Is the Colour” and “Rider Pride” were played as special tributes.
Interment will take place at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
