24 May 1969 – 20 July 2024 (55)
3 PPCLI
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Steven Dale Richards, on July 20, 2024, at the age of 55. Steve received a cancer diagnosis in 2016, which was successfully treated. In 2020 the cancer had returned, and although he was not expected to survive beyond a year, he defied expectations by living for four and a half more years.
Steve deeply loved his family, and his biggest pride was in his three daughters, Hannah, Sarah and Emily. He shared his love of the outdoors with them and guided them with calm kindness. They will miss his dad jokes, adventurous spirit and unwavering support, and are grateful for his unending patience.
Steve lived a life of service and leadership, and held himself to a standard of excellence in all that he did. He joined cadets as a teenager, which evolved into an exemplary career in the Canadian Armed Forces, ultimately as a Lieutenant Colonel, including assignments overseas and entering the Canadian Military Prosecution Services after completing a law degree in 2003. While remaining a reservist in the military, he worked as a Crown Counsel for British Columbia in the last five years of his career. His professional accomplishments are too many to name here; suffice it to say that the impact of his work was felt by everyone who knew him in this realm.
He was also known for his outdoorsy character and his passion for sports, particularly soccer, which he played throughout his life. In 2014 he helped create and then subsequently coached the Cowichan Steelheads, an adult men’s soccer team. His guidance fostered true team spirit and a love of the game. As young adults, he and his former wife, Dawn, enjoyed SCUBA diving and kayaking on BC’s coast, backpacking in the mountains, and travelling the world. With toddlers in tow the adventures changed, but Steve’s daughters fondly remember Saturday morning trips to the park, peaceful evenings by the ocean, and many family camping trips. In recent years he embraced a life-long love of sailing. He took his beautiful sailboat, Sirona, on many trips, inviting family and friends along to share in the magic of being on the water and in the wind.
Steve will be remembered for his positivity and kindness, his intellect and sense of humour. As well, for the incredible steadfastness and strength of character he displayed in the face of intractable physical pain due to his cancer.
Steve is predeceased by his parents, Dale and Verna Richards. He is survived by his partner, Susie; his three daughters: Hannah (Joe), Sarah (Adam) and Emily (Jeremy); and his siblings: Kim (Guy), Greg, Laurie and Sharon (Gary). He leaves behind a loving extended family as well as many amazing colleagues and friends.
Steve asked for any donations in his memory to be made to the Callanish Society; https://www.callanish.org/. He attended two retreats with Callanish, finding spiritual and emotional healing in learning to live with cancer, and in facing the end of his life with grace and peace.
A Celebration of Life will be held in September, 2024. Details to follow at a later date.
To express condolences, share memories and photos, please visit: www.sandsduncan.ca
Sands of Duncan, 778-743-4365
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/sands-duncan/obituaries/steven-richards/127412.html
Recent Comments