Richard Albert Gilchrist
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Richard Gilchrist announce his passing on August 30, 2023.
Richard was born in England and immigrated to Alberta in the 1970's with his wife Christine. He was an educator all his life, spending the majority of his career with Parkland School Division, continuing in retirement as a Board Trustee. Outside of education, Richard enjoyed cooking Sunday roasts dinners for his family (almost always beef) and using his dry sense of humour to make them smile.
Richard was predeceased by his son James Gilchrist (Carol Murray-Gilchrist).
Richard will be remembered by his wife Christine, his children, John Gilchrist, Elizabeth Simpson (Chuck Simpson), and Sue Gilchrist (Mike Steeves), his granddaughter Andrea Gilchrist, as well as his siblings Peter Gilchrist (Pat Gilchrist) and Janice Freeman (Richard Freeman). He will also be remembered by his 9 grandchildren as the grumpy Grandpa that adored them all.
At Richards request there will not be a funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca).
My beautiful brother, god-father. I am so glad I got to spend time with him before he died. I remember how I used to twist him round my little finger when I was a toddler.
So many of his characteristics are recognisable in my boys – his handsome good looks, his avoidance of social gatherings, lack of small-talk and love of football and barbecues! (The opposite to me!)
But above all, he was kind and caring and loved so very much by his family.
Jan xx
My condolences to the family. Worked with Richard at Spruce Grove Comp. Loved his dry sense of humour.
My deepest condolences to Richard’s family. I had the privilege of working for Parkland School Division for five years while Richard worked as a dedicated school trustee.
Thoughts and condolences to Richard’s family. Richard was a great mentor to me when I started my role as school board trustee. We had many robust conversations and lots of laughs. I had great respect for Richard and will always have pleasant memories.
My condolences Christine to you & your family.
Heartfelt condolences to Richard’s family, colleagues, and friends.
To Christine and family – How sad it is to hear this news. Richard was a work colleague and a good friend who will be missed by so many people. He was a genius with computers and when Memorial Composite moved to electronic report cards and attendance, he had the ability to keep things rolling. The school could not have survived those early days without Richard with his expertise and never ending patience! He devoted his life to children, as did you Christine, and nothing could be more honourable. I am so very very sorry that his life was cut so short.
Dear Christine, this is a message of sincere condolence from your fellow emigrant to Canada and colleague at Edgerton Grove Wallasey.
I was so very sad to hear of Richard’s passing. Our mutual friend Jill (Shacklady) Levett alerted me to the news which (unhappily) she had discovered on the internet since we both lost contact with you over the years.
We both hope this reaches you and you know that you have often been in our thoughts. I know that Jill has also reached out.
Dave and I are still in Nova Scotia, but different address, and have just enjoyed a visit back to ‘Blighty’ including the Wirral.
Trust that the memories of your wonderfully long partnership in life with Richard will sustain you along with the beautiful large family you have around you.
With much love. Helen(Feesey) and Dave Ferns