February 16, 1936 - December 16, 2018
Richard A. Feys of Rimbey, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Acute Care on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the age of 82 years.
Richard was born in Rocky Mountain House on February 16, 1936. Richard, "Dick", attended school in Rocky Mountain House. Well, sort of. It is said he often could be caught playing hooky and spending his time at the train trestle or fishing instead. He did not complete high school and went to work. Richard, with his cousin, Carly Turnquist, got jobs at the Atlas Lumber Yard peeling bark off railroad ties. At about age 18, Richard went to work as a professional truck driver (with the assistance of his uncle, Maurice Feys) driving truck at the Nordegg mine. He worked at the tipple, delivered coal to Nordegg residents, and hauled coal slag. After the mine closure, Dick worked in a lumber camp (Camp 15) and hauled lumber to Rocky to the Atlas yard. He also worked at the Atlas Lumber Yard stacking lumber; and as well, picked up work with local farmers at harvest, shoveling stooks into the separator, and shoveling grain from wagons into granaries. Richard married Joan Kelm in July of 1959. They began their life together in a small trailer first parked at his parent's farm by Rocky. From there, Richard and Joan moved north and resided in Valleyview and Slave Lake. They had a daughter, Rhonda who arrived in 1969. While there, Richard hauled for the oil companies and eventually came to own his own unit. After 25 years up north, they moved to Blackfalds where he continued to drive for Gibson's. Richard retired from trucking and he and Joan moved to Rimbey. Retirement was not for him yet so he hauled milk for Alpha Dairies in Red Deer for a short period. Eventually he retired permanently. Through the years whenever possible, Dick would help out at his sister's farm as well as his niece's. He enjoyed the farm machinery and being a part of the harvest. Richard had always owned a dog, and most were pointer hunting dogs. His dogs were great companions and a huge love in his life. Throughout his life, Richard spent many hours fishing, hunting, and camping. He loved the West Country and took every opportunity to enjoy it. Richard also purchased a couple of acreages in his later years, and would beautify them and then sell them for a profit. On one such acreage he decided to try his hand at a few cows. Richard purchased six Holsteins, all of which became pets. He would go and spend time with them almost daily. He gave them names and had them following him around like puppies. Richard did eventually give in and sell them, but it was a sad time for him. On another acreage he worked very hard and built a successful u-pick berry farm with saskatoons and raspberries. Richard was a hard worker and enjoyed landscaping and beautifying his properties.
Richard will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his two nieces, Cindy (Brian) Martinson of Eckville; and Darlene (Bruce) Walter of Red Deer; his nephew, Lee (Dawn) Stronach of Bentley; and his brother-in-law, Pete Hansinger; as well as several great nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Louise (Counnic) Feys of Rocky Mountain House; his daughter, Rhonda in 1985; his beloved wife, Joan in 2004; and two sisters, Marjorie Hansinger of Leslieville; and Ruby (Robert) Stronach of Rocky Mountain House.
A Celebration of Richard's Life will take place in the spring of 2019, of which a date is yet to be determined. Richard will be laid to rest alongside Joan in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Rocky Mountain House. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Richard's Memory may be made directly to the charity of one's choice. Condolence messages may also be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca