After a short but courageous battle with cancer, in the early morning hours of July 23, 2020 we lost our most beloved Rick in his 64th year. He was aided in his journey home to our father in heaven by his daughter Dixie who sat with him , held his hand and was encouraged by her sister Denise. He was a cherished husband and fishing partner to Monica Bowden. Much loved father of Denise and Mike Polgar, Dixie Bowden and Kevin Koustrup and stepfather of Jim and Linda Bowden, and Lori Parker. Proud grandpa of Ryan and Kelsey, Catlyn and Jeff, Monica, Cade, Eden, Harmony, Joel, Odin, and Iris and great-grandpa of Holly, Violet, Ivy, and Abel. Wonderful son of Shirley (Fischer) and the late Willard Grein. Dear brother and brother-in-law of David and Shawna Grein, Rodney and Kelly Grein, Dave Saltes, Lorraine St. John, Alice St. John and Ray St. John. Rick will be missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and his good friend Bill Hunter. Predeceased by his sister Gail Saltes.
Rick was a master carpenter and produced many extraordinary pieces of woodwork. His skills were second to none attested to by the many beautiful homes he built from the ground up. He never shirked hard work and never complained. He loved to fish (and boast about his catches). His presence will be missed by many. Good bye Rick we will meet again at the next fishing hole just around the bend.
Keeping with Rick’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family interment will take place at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Ayton. A public celebration of life will take place at a later date when friends and family can gather together to share in stories, love and support. Arrangements entrusted to Haskett Funeral Home, Seaforth (519-527-1390).
In lieu of flowers, donations to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jerry Oliver
Monica and Family – I’m am sadden by the news of Rick’s passing. He was a fun co-worker and a good friend. He seen to have a joke, a smile and a cold beer ready when ever I visit. we will miss him.
David Waud
Dear Monica and family,
Very sorry to learn of Rick’s passing.
He has not only left behind his work, as monuments to his skills, but more importantly the memories you have shared together. May those memories help to comfort you now.
Kathy Bewell
Monica and Family
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband, father, grandfather. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time.
Marjorie Kuschnereit
May God be with you at this time of great sorrow and loss,Love goes out to you and Denise and Dixie! Stay Strong! Special hugs to you Monica Aunt Marjorie and the Kuschnereit family from Kitchener ,
Gilbert & Ricki Ricki Vansteelandt
Monica & Dixie:
Sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Dixie, Karen sends a hug to you as well!
Gilbert, Ricki and Karen (Buckley) Vansteelandt
Diane Elston
Monica and family,
Our sympathies to you and your family on the loss of Rick. We had some fun times when we were neighbors.
Diane Elston and family
Jo Van Loon and Cinth Vogels
Our sympathies, Monica, to you and your family on the passing of Rick. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Nikki Alexander
So very sorry to hear of your profound loss Monica. Sending love and sympathy to you and your entire family and dear friends at this sad time.
Gary Land
Monica and family; sorry to hear of Ricks passing. I will always remember the laughs we had helping Rick build the Sunnorth office.
Ray jr.
I’m was so sorry to hear about Rick. Please know that my family is praying for you.
Ray St John jr.
Ron and Mary Ryan
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Rick.
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Wayne and Denise Matzold
Our condolences to Monica and family. You were great neighbours to Dad and Joyce. Rick will be missed.
Raymond St John Sr.
Monica and family; so sorry for your loss. Rick was a good man, fisher , wing shooter carpenter and card partner. I will miss him greatly. Always a gentleman and a.good friend.
Maria Vogels
Monica and Dixie
So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I will always remember him as a great neighbour and friend. The two of you built an amazing house together across the road! I have fond memories of you, Rick and Dixie. He was way too young! Be strong.
Donna Howard Anglestad
Monica, I am so very sorry to hear of your dear husband’s passing. I had no idea that you were going through this terrible time. May you find peace remembering the good times that you have shared. May you and your family cherish those memories knowing that one day you will all be reunited in glory. Love from an old school friend.
Charlene
Sending my heartfelt Sympathies Monica and to your family.
Lorraine St. John
Rick was an amazing brother in law. I love him and will miss fishing with him, his crazy sense of humour and his devotion to his family. Rest easy Rick. Till we meet again.
Brad and Jackie Kitto
Hugs to Monica, Dixie and Denise, as well as their families. Sorry to hear this sad news. RIP Rick xoxo