RICHARD “RICK” ASHDOWN

With heavy hearts we announce that Richard “Rick” Ashdown, at the age of 74, passed away peacefully at the Stonewall hospital surrounded by family.  

Rick was survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Lorraine; children Nicole (Kelly), Michelle (Jeff) and Samantha (Ken); grandchildren Lindsay, Ashton and Dominic; siblings Kathy (Bill) and  Dave (Ferial).  He was predeceased by his parents Shirley, Farrell and stepfather Jack; sibling Barbara.

Rick was born in London, Ontario and raised in the Crescentwood area of Winnipeg, Manitoba.  He spent his summers at Twin Lakes Beach, MB getting into all sorts of trouble with friends he made in the area.  Rick was an exceptional older brother, very protective and very mischievous.    High on the list of older brother duties was screening his younger sister Kathy’s boyfriends by bombarding them with endless questions.  He made a point of letting everyone know which parties Kathy was not allowed to attend, by his standard.  Friends at the lake knew he meant business, he could be quite intimidating!  Rick became a male role model to his younger brother David, when his father passed away.  Rick took this role very seriously, providing guidance and support. By guidance, we mean giving him his first beer.

In 1971 Rick met the love of his life Lorraine, it was love at first sight.  Lorraine was a sweet farm girl whose head was first turned by his motorcycle, and second by his blonde hair with Elvis like features and bad boy charm.  Their relationship started with a blind date, and then on September 16th, 1972 they were married.  In September 1976 they welcomed their first daughter Nicole and then moved into their family home in Stonewall, MB shortly after.  In December 1977, they welcomed their 2nd daughter Michelle, and lastly their third daughter Samantha in August, 1980.  And of course we can’t forget his dog and favorite little guy Fang, the only other testosterone in the house.  Rick was a family man and often talked fondly of them.

Rick was incredibly hard-working. He started by working as a surveyor at Manitoba Hydro followed by time as a driller in Saskatchewan for Midwest Drilling. He then joined the Motorways family as a transport driver beginning in 1972 until 1990.  In 1990, he began his career with the Teamsters Union Local 979 as a business agent and was quickly promoted in 1994 to Principal Officer of the local and remained in the position until his retirement.  Rick was very proud to be a part of the teamster brotherhood and his involvement with the union was wide, including as a Trustee on both Prairie Teamsters Health and Welfare Pension Plans, as a board member for Teamsters Canada and the Western Canada Council of Teamsters.  He sat on the Teamsters Joint Council 90 and for the Manitoba Blue Cross Board of Directors.  During Rick’s last days he spoke frequently of how fulfilled he was with the amount of people he helped throughout his career. Many of his brothers described him as a strong, rational man in business and found it a privilege to have worked with him.  They enjoyed his stories, his wicked sense of humour and felt he left a memorable impact on Teamster members both at home and internationally.  He was a strong voice for the labour movement in Canada.

In Rick’s spare time he enjoyed hunting in the fall, and fishing in the spring and summer.  Starting in 1987 an annual fishing trip in late May would take place with friends, work colleagues and later family in one of his favorite places on earth, Long Legged Lake.  Grand Rapids, another place he frequented, was another favorite fishing spot.  In later years, his own love for fishing was surpassed by how much he loved watching his children and then grandchildren experience the joys of fishing.  Rick’s eyes would light up every time one of his grandsons would pull in a big catch, and especially when they pulled in a stick, because it provided a good opportunity to tease!

Rick also enjoyed playing cards, especially crib, with anyone willing to sit across from him as long as they didn’t complain about his smoking.  He was always up for a game, whether at home, on a fishing trip, in their condo in Phoenix or in their trailer at the lake, to name just a few.  He played crib with his best friend Phil right up until the day before he passed. Even though Phil won the last game, he enjoyed every last moment.

Rick’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all his family, friends, and colleagues.  He was a hell of a guy…once you got to know him.

As per Rick’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held Friday, April 12th @ 1:00pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52, Main Street, Stonewall, MB.

Rick’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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