Howard RIOPELLE Obituary
Riopelle Fabric Centre
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
RCAF Veteran
Rivermead Golf Club
Peacefully and at home with family at his side, Howard ("Rip") Riopelle, in his 92nd year, moved on to join his Lord on September 22, 2013. Howard was a loving husband, parent, grandparent, local sports figure and a respected businessman in the Ottawa community. He is predeceased by his beloved first wife, Claire (nee McCloskey), his parents John and Julia, and by his 14 brothers and sisters. Howard is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie nee Foran (Plunkett) and his children Gerry (Rosi), Jane (Jerry Hiscock), Michael (Dorothy) Julia (Peter Wallace), and his 10 adoring grandchildren Sarah (Ed), Joe, Ben (Lindsay), Matthew (Megan), Jeffrey, Kristie (Eric), Jordan (Laura), Hannah, Lucy and Sophie. He is also survived by his five great grandchildren Charlie, Audrey, Micaela, Claire and Stirling. Howard was much loved by Marjorie's children Gerard (Marcia), Ruth (Kurt Haller) and Dan (Marie) and their children Matthew, Sarah (Francis), Rachelle, Nathan, Isaiah and Marjorie's great grandson, Noah. Howard grew up in the heart of "The Village" - now Ottawa's little Italy and following the outbreak of WW II joined the RCAF. After his overseas service, Howard launched his hockey career with the Montreal Royals (1945-47), and was instrumental to their successful 1947 Allan Cup run. He went on to join the pro ranks with the Montreal Canadiens (1947-50) before closing out his hockey career with the Ottawa Senators (1951-55), then of the Quebec League. Howard was a long-time member of the Rivermead Golf Club and was inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. His business (Riopelle Fabric Centre) was a Bank Street institution spanning nearly 5 decades from the 1950s to the early 1990s. He humbly gave of his time and provided support to many persons and organizations within the local community. He proudly served on the Board of Directors of St. Pat's Home for many years, Forever faith filled, Howard made a difference in the lives of many and was much loved by all who knew him.
Friends may pay respects at the
Kelly Funeral Home, Somerset Chapel
585 Somerset St. W. Ottawa ON K1R 5K1
613-235-6712 www.kellyfh.ca
on Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Wednesday to St. Mary's Church for Mass of Christian Funeral at 10:30 a.m. The family would especially like to thank Pamela Lauzon, who assisted Marjorie and provided the care that allowed Howard to remain at home until his death and also the nurses and doctors who provided medical care for Howard during his final days. In memoriam donations to Campaign Life Coalition, Companions of the Cross and Madonna House, Combermere or Ottawa Ontario.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
37 Entries
DONNA BEAUCHAMP
November 5, 2013
HI JULIE,
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. LOVE AND
BLESSINGS DONNA & MARIO
Norm Marlborough
October 2, 2013
Howard (Rip) Riopelle will live forever in our memories. Ice hockey legend WW2 veteran, church and community leader, and family man. A golden thread weaving through the community. To me he is the uncle who visited my mother and I at Malton Hospital in Aug 1945. A kindness by a statesman to a tiny baby which will never be forgotten. Regards, Norm, Roz, Patrick and Richard Marlborough - Fremantle, West Australia
Michael, Lise & Christine Bartlett
September 27, 2013
Howard was a loving, caring, gentle and humble man. My family and I are so blessed to have known Howard and to have had him as a friend. We will surely miss him, but know he is now truly home and at peace with our Lord. Our prayers and condolences to Marjorie and to all the family.
Sylvie Barrett
September 26, 2013
Dear Marjorie and Julia, and entire family, Our hearts go out to you at this time. May Howard enjoy the great hockey rink in heaven, with Fr Bob Bedard cheering him on. Blessings to you and your loved ones.
Sylvie Barrett , St-Mary's Parish
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Mike Sally
September 25, 2013
Gerry and Family my condolences on the loss of your Father.
Mary & John Zwicker & family
September 24, 2013
Oh Julia, Marjorie, all the family, Pamela & Paul, please accept our sincerest condolences, along with the promise of prayer for the repose of his soul - the kindest soul of a dear friend, a mentor, a great man of God, always so kind our children and us all. Howard, pray for us.
Janice Egan
September 24, 2013
Dear Julia,
My deepest sympathy to you. I was sad to hear of your Dad's passing .
He gave the best hugs and always made me feel so special .
God Bless him
Xo
Eleanor Ajram
September 24, 2013
Our deepest sympathies Julie and Peter.....thinking of you during this time....Eleanor and the staff from Where Vancouver
September 24, 2013
Dear Marjorie and Julia, and entire family, Our hearts go out to you at this time. May Howard enjoy the great hockey rink in heaven, with Fr Bob Bedard cheering him on. Blessings to you and your loved ones.
Paul Brennan
September 24, 2013
Howard was a larger than life character with lots of character. always upbeat, wondering how you were doing - and the laugh - unforgettable and used often.
My parents were in the car with Howard one time, Howard behind the wheel and in his typical fashion he was telling stories and asking questions. He accidentally ran a stop sign - my mother brought it to his attention and in the usual Howard fashion and without missing a beat he told my late mother that it was fine and he'd catch it on the way back.
Great man - God bless him
The Brennan's
Bob O'Connell
September 24, 2013
Marjorie, Gerry and all the family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
I remember Howard from daily mass at Saint Patrick's Basilica for many years. We often spoke.
I always had great admiration for him as he always found time to attend mass with such a busy schedule.
I will have all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
September 24, 2013
Dear Gerry,Rosi and family
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your extended family on the loss of your Dad. He was always so interested in how Ian and I were doing and always had some funny thing to share with us. An Ottawa icon he will definitely be missed by the community. God Bless
Clare and Ian
Robert and Kathryn Ennor
September 24, 2013
Jane, Jerry, Ben and Matt,
Our deepest condolences to you and the members of the Riopelle and Hiscock families on your Father/Grandfather's passing. We know he will be missed by you and by all who knew him through his 92 years.
Robert and Kathryn
September 24, 2013
Dear Jane, Gerry, and the Riopelle family,
My sincerest sympathy at the passing of your Dad. He was a wonderful man, an inspirational boss (my clearest memories are of him sprinting up the stairs of Riopelle fabrics on Bank Street!), and a pillar of the community. I worked at the store on Bank Street,(1987-88) and it was a warm, family-oriented business and a great place to work. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time; may your memories of your Dad fill your hearts.
JoAnne Carter
Shannon O'Donnell
September 23, 2013
Dear Riopelle Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. On the few times that I met him, he was so kind, generous and funny. He seemed to always have such bright spirit.
September 23, 2013
Dear Gerry, Jane, Mike and Julie,
The Riopelle and Dunlap families go back to so many happy years with Howard, Claire, Frank and Kay and so many children in tow! Florida vacations in the 50's, Norway Bay, Rivermead Golf in the 70's, Weddings in the 80's and expanding families from there. Your wonderful Dad filled the room with his bright light and laughter.
Fondly remembered, Cici and Dan Dunlap
Maureen Jeror
September 23, 2013
Dear Jane, Jerry, Ben & Matt
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deepest sympathy.
Maureen Jeror & Family
Maureen & family
Kitty Kelly-Brothers
September 23, 2013
Julie my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janice Newton
September 23, 2013
Jane and Gerry,
Praying for you and your families. Your father was a wonderful man who was an inspiration to us all. He touched the lives of many, including mine.
September 23, 2013
Dear Jane,
I am so sorry to hear of your Father's passing.
Jane (Burton)
September 23, 2013
To the Hiscock/Riopelle familly: Thinking of you at this sad time. All your happy memories will help you through your grief.
The Baltare Family
September 23, 2013
To the Wallace/Riopelle family
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are thinking of you.
John, Patti, Kaylee, Abby and Molly Lewis
Joy Krol
September 23, 2013
To the Riopelle Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Mr. Riopelle was a good boss when I worked at the store in the early 80's. May you all find strength in the difficult days ahead
Joy deHaas Krol
Paula Doucette
September 23, 2013
Gerry, Rosi and family, thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
September 23, 2013
Dear Jane, Gerry and your families,
Love and prayers to you at this sad time.
Unfortunately, I will be out of town and unable to attend your Dad's visitation and funeral. May he rest in peace.
Karen Zappia and family
Paul Noah
September 23, 2013
Our prayers are with the Riopelle family at this time. Howard and Marjorie were dear friends of my father and mother. When my dad lost his job back in the late 70's, Howard offered him a job, despite my dad not knowing anything about frabics or how to hang drapes. That act of kindness went a long way in helping Mom and Dad during that time. Wishing you God's peace and consolation at this time.
Love, Paul and Cindy Noah
Andrew Fogarty
September 23, 2013
To the Riopelle family,
Please accept my deepest expression of sympathy in your sad loss.Knew several of the 'Riopelle's' growing up in Ottawa and they all contributed richly to the Community. May fond memories provide much solace at his time.
Andrew Fogarty
Bill Riley
September 23, 2013
Jane, Jerry and Matt: James and I express our sincere condolences on your loss. We fondly remember his wonderful presence at so many hockey games Matt and James played together.
Michele Lacelle Carisse
September 23, 2013
Dear Gerry Jane Mike Julie I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing, I have a lot of wonderful memories from all the years we spent together. He was a good man, and a great employer. He will be missed by all.
September 23, 2013
My Dear family,
I share in your loss and pain. Rest in peace Uncle Howard and know that the very fond memories will never fade. Love, bear hugs and snuggles always!
Lisa (Riopelle) Estensen
Johanna Mathieu
September 23, 2013
My sincerest sympathy to the Riopelle familly on Howard's death. May the Lord strengthen you during this difficult time.
Becci Hayes
September 23, 2013
Julie, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your wonderful dad. He was a fine gentleman, always with a kind word for all and a twinkle in his eye.
Susan & Nick Boulanger
September 23, 2013
I didn't know Mr. Riopelle well. He was in the same hospital room as my husband a few months ago at the General. I also had the pleasure of meeting his lovely wife Marjorie. He was a very sweet man and he told me how he used to play hockey. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.
September 23, 2013
My condolences to all of the Riopelles' at the loss of the Dean of the Clan. A great family with great personality!
Kindest Regards,
Peter Harris,
Gracefield, Que
Rosemary Marenger
September 23, 2013
Gerry, Jane, Michael & Julie our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Dad, he was a truly remarkable man and the funniest uncle ever, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Rosemary & Al Marenger
Robert Drapeau
September 23, 2013
God rest his soul. My Dad (the late Leo Drapeau) were friends through the Ottawa Catholic community. I met Howard at the various Mens' breakfasts and on retreat. He was a great supporter of Catholic education and assisted St. Pius X back in the day when it was a private school. A great man.
Chuck Kerr
September 23, 2013
Dear Jane
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your Father. What an incredible life he had. May peace be with you.
Chuck Kerr
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