RICHARD "DICK" NEUFELD

On July 23, 2022 our family lost our anchor and North Star, Richard (Dick) Neufeld. Dick lived a life filled with adventure, laughter, friendship and so much love. Dick was a man of principle, someone who stood by his word, and lived by his conscience even when it hurt. He was a man of substance, someone you could depend upon, no matter what.

Dick lived an interesting life. After high school and working for CPR in the office, he hit the road with his pals seeking excitement and fortune. They found excitement in spades but when their money ran out after a month, they had to split up and Dick headed north to the Yukon. He worked in a silver mine, and spent a wonderful summer staying with his aunt Kay in Leamington, Ontario working at the Heinz factory during the day and driving her car around and hanging out with his new friends at night. He worked for CP airlines in airports from Vancouver to the NWT, and ended up working for the company that was building the Distant Early Warning (D.E.W.) line along the Arctic Coast. When he returned to Winnipeg, he set out to get his commercial pilot license, but getting shot in a freak hunting accident sent him down a different path, to a career in sales, where he found his passion. After 12 years selling cash registers at NCR, he became a test pilot/salesman for the organization that brought Hovercraft to North America. At the end of 1971, he decided to take a leap and he went out on his own and Dick Neufeld Agencies was born. He became an independent sales representative in the contract furnishings business until 2010, when he proudly passed the torch to his son Richard.

Dick met his soulmate Doreen on a blind date after returning from the Arctic in May 1957 and as he said, was “instantly smitten”. Their love led to a home on Athlone Drive, filled with laughter, kids, grandkids, and a succession of beloved pets. It was a messy, happy life made magical by their “opposites attract” kind of chemistry.

Dick and Doreen married in August 1959, and in time became the best parents ever to Brenley (Michael), Tayne (Kevin) and Richard (Wai Ching). Family life was their focus, and our childhoods were filled with lake vacations, drive-in movies, playing catch, and shopping trips to the States. Eventually Dick became Papa to ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren, all of whom adored him.

Dick was passionate about hunting and fishing, and equally passionate about conservation of wildlife and natural habitat. He loved fishing at Lamprey Falls with Barry and George, hunting the Interlake with Siggi and in Miniota with John and Marc, and at home, his San Vito breakfasts with Denis. In later years, he couldn’t wait to get out to South Dakota with Rich, Charlie and his beloved Ally.

Dick was extremely intelligent and his day couldn’t start without coffee and devouring four newspapers every morning. No matter what subject was brought up, he could contribute to the conversation, because he was so well informed. A voracious reader, he could finish three library books a week. He loved the Blue Jays, the Jets, wandering around his beautiful backyard, and watching the National with Lisa LaFlamme (and later discussing her wardrobe with Tayne). He could talk to anyone and had friends from all walks of life. His love of art took him to galleries in every city he visited, and he shared that love with his children. He had a passion for photography and left behind a legacy of wonderful memories for his family and friends. If he took photos of anyone, he never failed to print and send copies for their enjoyment as well.

Dick was such a strong, resilient person. After Doreen died in 2007, he bought himself a new hunting dog, and Ally became his most beloved friend. They were inseparable. Dick drove the two of them all the way to Florida every winter, so Ally didn’t have to endure a plane ride. She was right by his side, as usual, as he left us.

Our loss is so immense and the hole that he left in our family will never be filled. Dick’s favourite time of year was autumn. He loved the crisp air, the crunching of the fallen leaves, geese flying in their V’s and the beautiful colours. We plan to celebrate Dick privately and to scatter his ashes during the time he loved best, and we hope you too will give him a nod one beautiful fall day.

Dick’s family kindly requests that his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by visiting his tribute page at EthicalDeathCare.com. A photo-biography, as well as memories and stories published by those who knew him are available there.

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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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