RICHARD GEORGE HOLDEN

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard. He is predeceased by his parents, Eugene & Charlotte (Land) Holden; and his two brothers, David & Alan Holden.

Richard is survived by his wife Diane of 51 years; his two daughters, Dena (Brandon) Desrosiers and Heather (Terry Cheyne) Holden; granddaughter Kendra; grandsons, Tyson, Mackenzie, & Leighton. He is also survived by his brother Bruce Holden (who got him into the trades); and his sister Bev Wozny (whom he loved dearly); as well as many nieces and nephews.

Richard was born in Winnipeg and raised in Weston on Winnipeg Avenue. He attended Weston School, Cecil Rhodes Elementary, Cecil Rhodes Junior High, and Tec Voc High School. To this day he maintained his friendship with his longest known friend Jim Fotheringham who grew up 2 doors over.

After leaving school he worked at Camco-Redboine, where he entered his apprenticeship in Sheet Metal, attaining his journeyman’s ticket in 1977. He later went on to work for the Winnipeg School Division #1 in building maintenance department in 1980, eventually becoming an Assistant Supervisor. Richard retired after 30 years, and went on to work with his son-in-law Brandon at Desrosiers Property Services doing small renovation jobs for a few years, before retiring for good.

Richard married the love of his life (Diane) in 1974. They purchased their first home on Roseberry in 1977, where they raised their 2 daughters. Over the years Richard renovated the house top to bottom with the help of many friends. Richard was always there to help friends as they needed. They moved to their condo in 2018 where he lived out his last few years happily not having to clear the snow all winter.

Richard joined the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg in 1979 where he held various executive positions within the club, including President. He chaired many and participated in almost all projects. His favorite project that he chaired or co-chaired for many years was the Kinsmen Food Booth at the Red River Ex. It was through Kinsmen that he made many long lasting friendships, too many to list (you know who you are). After many wonderful years he left Kinsmen in 1992, with most of those friendships remaining strong.

Richard was a very spontaneous and fun loving man. You never knew when he would happen to be in the neighbourhood and just show up at your door. He loved to play music and had a fairly extensive album collection. Weekends were all about spending time with family and friends where the music was loud and the BBQ was hot. Richard always loved to grab Diane and have a dance; they were usually the first ones on the dance floor at any social event. He always loved to host his many friends with impromptu get togethers.

His daughters were very special to Richard, and he was so proud of both Dena & Heather. He had a strong bond with each of his grandchildren and enjoyed loving them all. He thought the world of his two son-in-laws. His nieces and nephews refer to him as the “Cool Uncle” and have many wonderful memories, as do many of his daughters friends.

After a 2 month rollercoaster struggle in the ICU at the Grace Hospital he lost the fight. The family will always remember the amazing care the ICU team provided as well as the Respiratory and Physiotherapy staff.

In lieu of flowers the family would ask donations be sent to the Grace Hospital Foundation in Richards name.

Cremation has already taken place and the family will host a Celebration of Life later this spring.

Richard,

It was a great ride, 

Thank you for the journey.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​