Richard LONEY

LONEY, Richard
Teacher, singer and sportsman died September 9 at age 82. This personable, kind, friendly, gentle man with a twinkle in his eye and humour in his heart will always be remembered by his wife Marion, son Brian (Connie), grandsons Matt (Charissa) and Nick, brother Tom (Kelly), sister-in-law Muriel, nieces Susan (Thereon) and Alyson, nephew Tommy, sister-in-law Audrey (Murray), brother-in-law Rich (Mavis), and nieces Melanie (Edwardo), Shannon (Mike) and Lara. Richard was born in Calgary, attended UBC graduating with a BA and becoming a successful, well respected teacher (Social studies, English, French and Music) in North Vancouver, touching the lives of thousands of students over the years. In 1963 he was accepted for a teacher exchange to England where he taught school and had the opportunity to study voice with the renowned tenor Joseph Hislop. Returning to Vancouver he continued teaching as well as being a full time member of the Vancouver Opera chorus, a regular performer on CBC radio and TV, performing with the Vancouver and Victoria symphonies and recording a number of record albums. He and his wife Marion were long time members of the Canadian Memorial United Church choir where they met many lifelong friends. After retiring from teaching he became busier than ever recording, performing concerts and singing on cruise ships to Alaska and the Caribbean. His passion for family and music was only matched by his love for sports. He played Junior A hockey and as well at UBC. He had a passion for tennis and was an avid player at Jericho, the Arbutus club and Western Indoor. He also loved playing golf. He merged his passion for music and hockey in 1970 when he began singing O Canada before every Canucks game where he became a mainstay for over 2,000 games over 40 years. He also sang national anthems for the Vancouver Giants, BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps over the years. He loved performing the anthem and he did it with grace and gusto, singing with respect and dignity whether it was in a professional sports arena or at his grandson's Ladner Minor baseball game. He sang the way he walked through life, treating everyone with respect, having a smile and a kind word for everyone. In 2011, shortly after his beloved Vancouver Canucks went all the way to game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, he suffered his 2nd stroke and was presented with many challenges including acute Aphasia. This did not stop his spirt and determination to work hard every day to improve his communication, singing and the will to travel like he had done. Although he did not reach all of his goals, his recovery was amazing. There were so many people who helped him work and get better and the family thanks all of you for your support. We would especially like to mention his amazing wife Marion, who walked in his shoes, and was there by his side holding his hand every day to help him. We would also like to thank Kathleen, Brenda, Samantha, Donna and "Odd". A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre for Peace, 1825 West 16th Avenue, Vancouver, BC. In lieu of flowers kindly donate in Richard's name to Canuck Place at www.canuckplace.org, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.heartandstroke.ca.
"Coffee please, hot hot."
Online condolences can be shared at:
www.deltafuneral.ca.
Delta Funeral Home (604) 946.6040