August 27, 2022
In loving memory ~
Musician, adventurer and sports contributor, Richard Rhodes, had a love of life that did not cease with his passing on August 27 in his 85th year. His brave battle with polycystic kidney disease for 15 years showed his courage in facing life's challenges with a smile. He exemplified the graces of kindness, friendship and integrity. Richard's loved ones will continue to honour his legacy.
Richard had a wonderful sense of adventure, and that, along with his musical talents of singing and strumming the guitar, led him on travels around the globe.
Making his way back after a year of travels, work with Teck Cominco took him to Yellowknife where he met his wife, Irene, in 1966. They were married for 29 years until her passing in 1996.
Richard was also a pioneer in sport. He earned the right to participate in the first and second Canada Winter Games and in the first Arctic Winter games, where he won a gold medal in his sport of badminton.
One of Richard's greatest joys was to give of his time and talents, spending an endless amount of hours helping children in athletic and sporting activities. He gave back to the badminton communities in Yellowknife and later Trail by coaching in their youth programs.
In 1985, he was one of the four founders of the Lower Columbia Girls Softball League. Richard was an inspirational coach, patient teacher and well respected mentor in the softball community for the next 35 years, achieving many levels of success during that time.
The peak of his coaching success in girls softball was in 2004. Richard helped coach the U12 Thunder Fastpitch team who earned their way, as the only Canadian team ever, to participate in the Babe Ruth World Series in Mattoon, Illinois.
Recognized many times for his volunteer efforts, Richard was inducted into the Softball BC Hall of Fame in 2011 for Special Recognition for his many decades of volunteering and enriching the softball community.
All adventures and journeys must come to a close before a new one starts. When it was time for him to say goodbye it was with dignity and grace. His daughters Shannon (Linda) and Erin (Bob), beloved grandchildren Ryker, Terek, Aspen and Maëlle, brothers Larry (Ivana) and Chris (Frances), along with friends and family, will miss his humor, laughter, and kind and gentle soul. May all who had the pleasure of meeting him along his journey in life, share the memories of his smile, his sense of humor and his generosity.
There are not enough words to express how thankful both his family and friends are to the Renal unit staff including nurses, technicians, and doctors for taking such great care of Richard over his years of dialysis treatment. He continued to have a quality of life that allowed him to continue to travel, watch and participate in many milestones of his children and grandchildren, continue to contribute to the community and enjoy his love of life.
Donations in his memory can be made to the KBRH Renal (Dialysis unit).
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services