Donald Bruce Richardson

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Bruce "Rick" Richardson (83) of London, Ontario on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. After a period of failing health, he died peacefully with Carol at his side. Greatly loved and dedicated husband, beloved father, kind and gentle grandfather, accomplished businessman and respected mentor.

Born in London, Ontario, Rick grew up on Hamilton Road East and attended Gore Road (one room) Public School and Medway High School. He was proud of his first jobs in London which included running milk bottles from the horse-drawn wagon and working at Kellogg's where he claims to have put the "two scoops of raisins in the Raisin Bran"
Rick left London at age 17 to join the Royal Canadian Navy where he served on 9 ships and 3 shore establishments including the Iroquois (Korean Veteran), and a World Tour with the Duke Of Edinburgh on HM Yacht Britannia, and the opening of the St Lawrence Seaway with her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and President Eisenhower on board. He loved sharing stories about the Britannia, attending reunions in Britain including the decommissioning of HMY Britannia as a Royal Yachtsman.
As a handsome young sailor in Halifax, Rick met the love of his life, Carol, with whom he continued to hold hands and share abundant adventures over 61 years.

After starting a family Rick retired from naval service and began a successful sales career with Investors syndicate. Through his service with the Dartmouth Jaycees he was introduced to the wonderful world of radio. From sales at CHNS in Halifax to CKGM in Montreal to Sales Manager and eventual Station Manager of CKWW in Windsor, Rick fell in love with Radio.
Returning to his roots in London, Rick purchased CJOE in 1972. Rebranding and reformatting overnight, the new CJBK became the number one local radio station. The success of CJBK led Rick to establish the first Country and Western station in Southwestern Ontario, BX-93 and also to purchase CHOK in Sarnia
where his renovation of the building on Front Street received appreciation and recognition from the city of Sarnia.
Rick served as president of the Dartmouth Jaycees, on the curriculum committee for Fanshawe College Radio Arts Program, Advisory Committee for the London Art Gallery and Museum, on the Board of Orchestra London and PACT. Rick and Carol were the first land donors to the Thames Talbot Land Trust (Meadowlily Nature Preserve).
A believer in creating businesses out of his hobbies, Rick established Flag Yacht Corporation which was featured on the cover of Canadian Yachting Magazine. His love of ships and the sea also led to extensive world travels. This passion inspired his visionary development of the London International Boat Show.

After retirement from radio and the sale of his stations, Rick delighted in new experiences; flying on the Concorde, travelling on the Orient Express, cruising to Alaska, China and Russia, touring in Scotland and frequent trips to Britain where he visited with old Naval friends. One of his joys while travelling became the discovery of new treasures to add to his antiquarian book collection.
Rick briefly ventured into the world of thoroughbred horse racing and enjoyed several stakes wins, leading to having one of his horses run in the Queen's Plate.

Rick's "retirement" years were spent as president of Richardson Investment Corporation. He was an avid reader, lover of history and enjoyed spending time in Nova Scotia and Florida.

Rick was respected for his bold, brave, creative personality, his positive thinking, goal setting, his love for family, and his ability to stop a conversation with one word or a raised eyebrow. His reputation as a skilled negotiator and the ability to be both firm and fair will always be remembered. He was very fond of reminding his friends and associates it was time to meet for lunch and that it was their turn to buy. He greatly valued loyalty and commitment.

Rick's sage advice, counsel and great wit will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Carol, his children; Bruce (Joanne) London, Lynn (Greg Mills) Toronto, Sue-Anne (Alex Hart) London and Alexandria VA. His grandchildren Tristin, Jazmine, Brandon, Jade, Hanna, Dylan (Jayde), Samuel, Olivia, Adam, Safire, Sophie and great- grandchildren, Nova, Jet, Leilani and Gabriella.
Rick was predeceased by his father Bruce, mother Jean, stepfather Peter, infant son Grant William and Brother Jim.

Thanks to the dedicated and caring service of the LIHN, palliative care team, PSWs and Nurses who made it possible for Rick to stay at home with family.

Rick always referred to life's end as "the Next Great Adventure".
Bon Voyage, Rick!

Rick's Bon Voyage Gathering Visitation will be on Saturday February
2, starting at 10:30 a.m., with Service to follow at 11:45 a.m in St.
Paul's Cathedral, 472 Richmond St, London Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, if you so desire donations to Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.ca, ReForest London www.reforestlondon.ca or Mission Services London www.missionservices.ca are appreciated.