Dave Richards Memorial Award: 2011

Donation Instructions

Dave was a teacher who believed in second chances and strived to maintain a 'pay-it-forward' attitude in all aspects of his life. He had a big heart for students who struggled in school and often made special connections with them, helping them turn their lives around. Through his coaching, his unique sense of humour, and lengthy conversations with students, he often created quite an impact on their lives. Dave's co-workers at Clarke Road Secondary School have initiated an award in his memory, to go to a student who has demonstrated a ‘turn around’ in his or her years at the school and is ideally continuing in a technical trade career.

Please consider donating to the Dave Richards Memorial Award Fund.
To donate go to the London Community Foundation website www.lcf.on.ca and select the 'Donate Now' button. You will be redirected to the 'Canada Helps' website. After you select the next 'donate now' button you can enter your donation amount and please ensure that you select the 'Dave Richards Memorial Fund' in the pulldown menu. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more.

I truly appreciate your donations. I have a goal of $25,000.00 to attain, in order for this fund to continue on in perpetuity. This will ensure that Dave's gift - to inspire and enrich others through second chances - will continue long into the future.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Today is Dave's Birthday

Today is Dave's birthday.

He always got ripped off because it was so close to Christmas. But there was one Christmas 9 years ago that I got tickets from a client for a private Toronto Maple Leafs after game party - on the 23rd. Yep! He got to party with the Leafs on his birthday! (Mats Sundin. Tie Domi. They were all there with us! Doug Gilmour even showed up - even though he was playing for the Montreal Canadiens at the time.)
And I briefly considered turning down those tickets because it was such a busy time of year to travel to Toronto and stay overnight to return on Christmas Eve. But I thought “No, I have to do this for him. And if he finds out he'd never forgive me!” Hahaha!

At the time Dave said it was his best birthday ever! He talked about it with friends for a LONG time. I'm so glad I took those tickets!

Anyway. I just wanted to share a story with you on his birthday.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

A Year

It's hard to fathom that it's been a year since Dave died. Two years ago he was doing his all-time favourite thing - starting baseball season! Last season was the first year he hadn't played since he was probably about 11 years old! When we were blind-sided with the terminal cancer diagnosis he thought that he'd fight it hard over the summer and be back playing this summer. I like to think that Dave still might be playing baseball this summer in heaven. (If anybody could pull together a pick-up team - it would be him!)

Dave & I were together since we were 17 years old - 28 years.

Time carries on with or without us but simply put, time has not healed this loss.

Thankfully Cale & I have many memories of Dave but would appreciate it if you took a moment to comment and add a memory or two of your own.

Also, we greatly appreciate any donations to the award fund in Dave's memory.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Articles, and speeches

I thought I'd make the obituary, upcoming 'in memory' ad, and articles about Dave available, as well as the speeches at his funeral.
(If you click on the photo, it should open in another page and be large enough to read.)

Memorial ad - June 14 2013

'In Memory' - June 14 2012

'In Memory' - June 14 2011

Obituary

Dedicated Teacher Remembered

LAWC / BHI - Ball Hockey Tournament

Clarke Road Hockey - 'Trojans Lead with Hearts'
(front page photo)

Clarke Road Hockey - 'Trojans Lead with Hearts'
(article

Speeches from Funeral:

speech by Rob Brown - friend

speech by Mike Hoy
- friend & co-worker

speech by Paul Richards, Dave's uncle

speech by Bud Halpin - friend

speech by Mark Walker - friend

speech by Jill Deeb
- friend & co-worker

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