Unexpectedly, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont., Richard William Lee of Fort Frances passed away with his baby girl, Sally, at his side.
Richard was born in 1940 in New Liskeard, Ont.
Richard was a man of different talents. After enlisting in the army for a period of time, he eventually ended up in Atikokan, Ont. and worked at the Steep Rock and Caland Mines until their closing.
After the mines closed, Richard was not discouraged and found employment in what would become his permanent home of Fort Frances. Richard would be known as “the cable guy” before retiring as senior technician in 2005 after almost 30 years in the cable television industry with NorWont, Videon, and Shaw Communication.
Richard also owned a tower building company. Many of the communication towers located throughout Northwestern Ontario were built, repaired, and climbed by Richard.
Even up into his mid-60s, he still maintained his passion for climbing towers.
He also was a volunteer firefighter with the Fort Frances Fire Department, and a member of the Oddfellows.
Richard was an avid outdoorsman. He and his daughter, Sally, often could be found down in Cuttle Lake looking for the big walleyes. He also was an avid hunter, enjoying hunting with many of friends he gained over the years and bringing home that big moose.
Richard also enjoyed his daily trips out for coffee with his buddies.
Anyone who Richard has had over for supper will agree he was a phenomenal cook. He was most known for his Chinese dishes in which he would spend hours preparing. And we all knew not to mess with his system of dishes lined up in the fridge, although anything Richard cooked was always great.
Anyone who knew Richard knew he had an amazing knack for woodworking, especially his picture frames.
Richard was a man of all trades and could fix anything. All his children knew if there was a problem and something needing fixing, call dad and he would know how to fix it.
Richard is survived by his children, Selma (Randy) of Fort Frances, Ont., Tammy (Tony) of Dryden, Ont., and Darren (Sheila) of Abbotsford, B.C.; grandchildren, Robyn, Jodie, Randie, and Kelsey; and two great grandchildren, Kaylee, and the newest addition, Rebecca.
Richard also is survived by his sister-in-law, Marg Lee, Norma Danku (Joe), Betty Maguire, Cecile Drummond (Brian), and Teddy Booth (Betty); and several nieces and nephews.
Richard also will be missed by his longtime friend, Yves Aucoin; and his very special four-legged babies, Snuggles and Ike (often known as Fuzzhead).
Richard was predeceased by the love of his life, Karin Lee, in 2004; his parents, Bill and Mary Lee; brothers, Thomas, Fred, and Wilfred; and sisters, Emily, Madge, and Eva.
As Richard requested, there will be no formal service. A come-and-go tea will be held in his honour on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 from 2-4 p.m. at 1315 Emo Rd. in Fort Frances.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Online condolences can be posted at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
My Father
My heart is broken . . .
As you left without saying goodbye
But God had a plan
Though we don’t understand
And it is not for us to ask why,
It’s God’s promise that you will be happy
And never be too far away
He will take all your pain
Bring you sunshine.. not rain
In a place where we’ll meet again.
I am thankful for time spent together
And I am proud that you were my Dad
In sharing our dreams, our laughter and things,
I’ll cherish the memories we’ve had,
Our love here remains forever
And Dad I hope that you knew
With each setting sun
Or new day begins
I was blessed with a Father like you.
