Date of Birth: September 20, 1933
Date of Death: June 14, 2019
Robert Edward was born Sept. 20, 1933 on the family farm. He was the son of Michael and Margaret Richards and the ninth child in their family of 13. Coming from a Welsh family, his first language was Welsh and later learned English when he attended Fertile Belt School.
Growing up for Bob was a time of hard work and trying economics that taught him many of life’s valuable lessons. He learned to farm with horses, plows and threshing machines. School for Bob was cut short and he was still at home when his father Michael passed away in 1958. He continued to help with the operation of the farm until 1959 when he officially took over the family farm.
In 1964, he met the love of his life, Kay (Katherine) and on July 1, 1965 they were wed and took up residence on the Richards’ family farm northeast of Bangor. Bob and Kay were married for 37 years before Kay passed away in 2002. They were deeply devoted to each other and Kay’s passing left a huge void in his life.
They had three children, Larry, Debbie and Garry. Bob lived for his family. He loved, supported, encouraged and served them. As a father, he was always there for his children and loved them dearly. His grandchildren, Robert (Joan), Nicole (Jason), Rebekah, Evan and Caroline and great-grandchildren, Margot, Geraint, and Daniel were blessed with Grandpa/Great-Grandpa’s love and affection.
Bob loved fun and had a great sense of humor as well as a sense of adventure. He and Kay went on many trips that took them to Hawaii, Florida, Alabama, Africa and many places in Canada.
Bob was very lively, hard-working and incredibly determined. This was evident in his life, in his family, in overcoming his bi-pass surgery in 2001 and in his recent battle with cancer. He was active on the farm operating machinery and running errands right up until the end.
Throughout Bob’s farming career he worked off the farm at various jobs. He drove a caterpillar pushing bush, mechanic work was done in the farm shop through the winter and he also drove a school bus occasionally.
Bob was always active in the community serving in Bangor on the Curling Club, the 4-H, the Rural Telephone board, the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, the Anglican Church board and others. In 1988, he became a councillor for the RM of Fertile Belt and in 1993 became Reeve.
Bob enjoyed curling, visiting, family, news, and politics. Bob’s love and passion was farming. 2002 was an extra special year as it was the Richards Family Farm Centennial. Once again in 2017, there was a special gathering for family and friends to celebrate the farm’s 115th anniversary.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Margaret Richards; his wife, Katherine Richards; his son, Lawrence Richards; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Richards; a brother, Morris Richards in infancy; his sisters, Margaret Hewson of Vancouver, Nest Arnott of Yorkton, Winnie (George Jakowyshin) of Winnipeg, Ida (Richard Thornhill) of Winnipeg, Gwladys (Henry Koschinsky) of Winnipeg; brothers, Bill Richards (Mary) of Regina, James Richards of Saskatoon and John Richards of Windsor; and brother-in-law, Ward Fergusson of Winnipeg.
Bob passed away the morning of Friday, June 14, 2019 at St. Peter’s Hospital and leaves to mourn his daughter, Debbie and son-in-law, Greg Osicki; son, Garry and daughter-in-law, Lynn; grandchildren, Robert (Joan), Nicole (Jason), Rebekah, Evan, and Caroline; great-grandchildren, Margot, Geraint and Daniel; brother, David (Cathy) Richards; sisters, Megan Fergusson and Enid Richards; brother-in-law, Archie Arnott; and sister-in-laws, Leona and Gladys Richards, Eloise Zimmer and Irene (Jerry) Osmak; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Bob was loved dearly and will be greatly missed. He will hold a special place in many hearts.
The family wishes to sincerely thank all for the cards, phone calls, texts, e-mails, prayers and support during this difficult time.
A memorial service was held for Robert on Thursday, June 20 at 2 p.m. from the Bangor Hall in Bangor, SK.
Interment followed in the Llewelyn Cemetery.
Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Robert may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Arrangements entrusted to Christie’s Funeral Home and Crematorium, Yorkton, SK
