Richard William Smithson
June 2, 1950 - Sept 12, 2018
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and friend, Richard William Smithson.
Richard (aka Flash) passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Sept 12, 2018 at Seven Oaks Hospital after a long-fought battle with lung disease.
Richard is survived by his wife Cynthia, daughter Tamara (Steven), Ryan (Devyn), and his two grandchildren Blake and Duke. He is predeceased by his mother Betty, father Robert and his brother Patrick. He is survived by his brothers Jim (Janina), Bill (Dawne) and Jeff (Patti). Richard will be remembered as a vivacious, caring, strong, sometimes stubborn individual with a large heart by all those who knew him. He was loved deeply and will be missed tremendously.
The Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 3, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Holy Eucharist Parish Centre (460 Munroe Ave).
We would like to thank our friends, family and the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital for all their care and compassion during this time.


Rick’s Story
The family was North End through and through and the family of boys enjoyed being mischievous while playing around the Inkster and McPhillips area.
Rick met his wife Cynthia in 1974, when he was twenty-four years of age and Cynthia nineteen. The two of them are an excellent example of a real-life love-story. Although they had the odd dispute, like any couple, Rick told Cynthia that he was going to marry her within three weeks of knowing her and ten months later, they were engaged. They were truly and eternally soul mates. Rick and Cynthia married in 1977 and spent their earlier years socializing, dancing, and playing sports together.
In 1981, their daughter Tamara was born and his son Ryan in 1984. Rick enjoyed being a father. He was always willing to listen to his children’s stories and offered words of wisdom. Although not many would call Rick a talker, when he did speak, you made sure you listened. He spent his time as a father driving his kids to sporting events, parties, and took the time to even coach sports when he could. The Smithson family home was known to many friends as having an open-door policy. It was always the place for the children and adults alike to gather and share some laughs over a few beverages. You could not walk in the door without Rick challenging you to a game of crib (he always kicked everyone’s butt!!).
Rick worked at Coca-Cola for most of his adult-life. Rick also had a knack for painting and loved to help friends and family paint their houses regularly. He played slo-pitch and was known for a mean backspin as a pitcher and hitting singles with ease. Rick played recreational curling in a mixed league and enjoyed the odd bonspiel. Rick was also known to enjoy his Coors Light, bonfires, sitting by the pool, and always enjoyed tinkering around when bored.
Rick was best known for being laid back, easy going, kind-hearted and known for his quick witted one-liner comments. He was willing to give the shirt off his back, beer from his fridge, and food from his plate if he had even an inkling you needed something. He volunteered countless years at the Maples Community Centre running the canteen, bartending at socials, and being available whenever additional supports were needed. He gave his time and effort to those in need without a second thought. If you knew Rick, he either referred to you as ‘dear’ or ‘bud’ and most likely was wearing a cowboy hat and cowboy boots.
Rick will be missed dearly by his wife Cynthia, daughter Tamara (Steve, Blake, and Duke), son Ryan (Devyn) and many others. Many nieces and nephews, friends of the children referred to Rick as their ‘second dad’. He is no longer suffering and is most likely having a Coors Light with friends and family that have passed over the years. You were loved deeply and will be missed more than words can say. We love you.
Cheers Rick
* A special thanks to the 7oaks medical staff for making Richards final days comfortable and for being so accommodating to the family. Richard will be cremated.

Celebration of Life
• Date: Wednesday, Oct 3, 2018. 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Location: Holy Eucharist Parish Center – 460 Munroe Ave
• In lieu of flowers, please make donations payable to the Manitoba Lung Association.
• Service will be casual. Pop in for a bit, or stay the entire night and play some crib, share some stories, and enjoy a cold beverage. (Cash bar available)

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