Richard Patrick Skelly

February 26, 2019 15 Condolences Print Obituary Send Flowers

It is with immense sadness that the family of Richard Patrick Skelly announces his passing in Edmonton on Thursday February 21, 2019 at the age of 52. In his final moments, he was surrounded by his ‘Circle of Love’.  His circle included both those present and all those sending their love and healing thoughts from a distance.

Richard faced his journey with cancer in the same way that he lived his life; with consistent kindness, never-ending courage and absolute gratitude. Richard was born on December 29, 1966 in Vancouver, B.C. to Rhoda and Richard Skelly. He lived the majority of his life in Edmonton where he grew to love the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.

Richard will be forever loved and missed by his beloved children Shayna Ritter (Matt Cissik) and Myles Skelly (Lisa Johnson) He is survived by his partner, friend and “Lover” Kathy Norell. Also mourning their loss are Kathy’s children; Mike Norell (Shaina Dreger-Bullis) and Rebecca Norell (John Moisan). Richard was a much loved Papa to Oliver and Theodore.

Loving brother to Maureen Winter (Greg), Jayme Blenkarn (Michele Siderson), Craig Skelly (Angie), Kathy Stone (Steve) and Judy Rokovetsky (Francisco Schipperhein); step-sisters Bev Kraweic Lesberg (George), Karen Kraweic and Shelley Krawiec.

Mourning their “Uncle Booty” are Carly Winter (Adam Clifford), Rob Winter (Julia Palczewska), Eric Blenkarn, Amanda Blenkarn, Alexis Skelly, Noah Skelly, Bobby Stone and Michael Stone. Richard was Great Uncle to Jonas, Finn and Leo.

Richard will also be missed by the mother of his children, Lisa Skelly, his cousins Wayne Osbaldeston (Kathy), Dwight Osbaldeston(Laurie), Sandy Downey (Mike)and Janet Bonde and their families.

Richard will be reunited with his mother Rhoda Kraweic, his father Richard Skelly, his step-father Walter Kraweic, Kathy’s mom Beatrice Segouin, his grandparents Clarence and Elizabeth Hodgson, his cherished aunts and uncles; Alf Hodgson, Hazel and Lloyd Osbaldeston, Joyce Pratt, Al Pratt, Jean and Pete Masson, Rhona and Bill Traviss; as well as Lisa’s mother Joyce Belcourt, his cousin Blaine Osbaldeston, and his nephew Sean Kraweic.

Richard leaves his longtime ‘Desco Family’ where he has worked for the last thirty years.  Richard took great pride in his work and led by example. He believed that ‘any job worth doing was worth doing right’. His excellence was evident and he proudly shared examples of this in the U of A Hospital garden. He will be greatly missed by his co-workers.

Richard was an avid pool player and played many years on various Triple E teams during which he formed many lasting friendships and collected multiple trophies. Also grieving Richard’s passing will be “The Reunion of Brothers,” a group of Richard’s high-school friends that for the last ten years have gathered annually to share stories and relive their youth.

Richard loved and supported his family and friends unconditionally. His greatest pride and joy in life was his children. Richard felt blessed to have many, many close friends. He attended Forest Heights Elementary, John Barnett Elementary and Londonderry Junior High. Richard graduated from M.E. LaZerte High School in 1985.

He will be remembered fondly for his recall of music lyrics, his incredible joy and excitement for Halloween celebrations, his passion to restore his 1968 Chevy van, his genuine hugs, his honesty, his smile, his sense of humor and his quick wit. Richard loved nature, gardening and an all-night fire-pit. Richard expressed that it was his “Family, Friends and Fishing” that got him through this past year. Kathy wishes to acknowledge the ongoing support of her family and friends during Richard’s journey.

Richard’s family will be forever grateful for the caring hearts and gentle hands of the doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Alberta Hospital and the Alberta Cross Cancer Institute. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sacred Heart Church Christmas Fund are gratefully accepted.

Richard inspired others with his deep, deep love for searching and finishing his treasured rocks and petrified wood. He would want to be remembered most whenever you walk along a river. Pick up a stone and know that he always walks with you.

Richard’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday March 2 at 1:00 pm at North Pointe Community Church. 14025-167 Ave. NW Edmonton, Alberta in the north auditorium. There will be a casual gathering of family and friends after the service at Casselwood Pub 14620 – 50st.

  1. Ricky, you will be missed by so so many… your energy, laugh, kindness and genuine enthusiasm for life will carry on within every soul encountered in your life. My deepest condolences to your family and friends… Much love from the East Coast and Rest in Peace with the rock gods above.

  2. He was a great man. See you on the other side Skelly ????

  3. My deepest condolences to the family.
    He was a great friend and will be missed very much?

  4. Rest easy Rich! Although I haven’t seen you in many years, my high school memories are great ones. You were always one of the good guys! May blessings and peace rest upon your family at such a tender time in losing you.

  5. Gonna miss the fun times I had drinking some cold brews and sharing some great stories with you rick. It was a pleasure knowing you and you being a part of my life brother

  6. Rest easy Richard. You will be greatly missed. I have so many fond memories growing up, having sleep overs with Shayna. The yearly xmas eve parties were somethings I always looked forward to as a kid. You were like one of my uncles growing up. ♡

  7. Kathy, Shayna, Myles and Lisa
    We are so sorry for the loss of Richard. He was an amazing man.
    May the wonderful memories you have of him help you through this time off loss.

  8. you were one of my best friends. i will miss you dearly richard. so glad we got out together for you to catch this fish. what a smile. see you on the other side…

  9. God is gaining a great soul. Till we meet again Richard.

  10. Deepest condolences to Ricks family and friends.

  11. Rick’s love for his family, friends, pool, fishing, and life was only matched by his infectious smile that always made me smile. Some people are able to make good days into great days, Rick had that touch. He brought so many good times and great times to all those around him, thanks for the memories, we’re gonna miss you.

    • REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND

  12. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.” “I hope you feel surrounded by much love.” “We are thinking of you.

    May your fishing ? rod still catch.

    May your pool ? stick pocket the balls.

    May your rock gathering be successful.

    REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND

  13. My thoughts are with Rick’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. I will never forget how Rick immediately made me feel a part of the team even as a new employee at Desco and for the way he treated all of his colleagues (new and old) with such amazing respect. Rick was a true example of someone who lead through action. I remember when I was at Desco that everyone wanted to work on Rick’s team and it was such a pleasure being around him. Rick’s sense of humour was contagious and many years later after working with him I still laugh to myself thinking about the fond memories I have from working with him. He will definitely be missed very much. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

  14. My colendeces to Rick’s family, friends and colleagues. I had the pleasure of working with Rick while at Desco and will never forget his strong leadership and sense of humour. Rick made me feel like an important part of the team from Day 1 even as a green employee to the construction industry and I know he had a lasting impact on everyone he worked with. The respect and care that he showed all of his colleagues has always stuck with me. Rick will be greatly missed.

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