April 6, 1918 – July 19, 2011
Frank Richards, a former community leader and ex-newspaper editor and publisher in both Sidney and Salt Spring Island, passed away July 19 in the loving care of Joyce Olsim, his caregiver, and the staff of Lady Minto Hospital. He was 93. Born the elder twin to William and Freda in Birmingham, England, Richards married Barbara Woodhouse in 1946 and together they carved out a life on the Saanich Peninsula after immigrating from Great Britain. Richards came to Salt Spring Island in 1967 after buying the Driftwood newspaper. Together, they were a great team. He is predeceased by his wife Barbara in 1987 as well as brothers Anthony, William and Donald and sister, Marie. He is survived by his brother Laurence (Elizabeth), his sister-in-law Maureen, his many nieces and nephews, his children Tony, Jill (Ken), Val (Stephen); his grandchildren, Nicola (Bruce), Joshua (Leah), Justin (Dana), Chelsea (Ryan), Regan, Jeremy, Bob, Damian, Robin, Charlotte and Bronson and his great-grandchildren Jaidyn, Sevannah, Isaac, Garrett, Mackenzie, Heidi, Ryen and Kate. We are so grateful to Dr. Woodley for his excellent care, support and genuine concern over the years. As well, we thank Joyce for her care and devotion allowing Dad to remain in his own home for so long and the staff of Lady Minto Hospital for their kindness and compassion.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Church, Ganges, on Friday, July 29 at 1 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at Salt Spring Golf and Country Club at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation or the Federal Liberal Party of Canada. Poppa is now finding the triple word scores with Nanna.