Richard William GLEASURE

GLEASURE, Richard William (Dick)
Passed away peacefully on March 12, 2002 in Westbank, B.C. Dick was the beloved husband of the late Nicolina Lembo, and the adored father of Fiorenza (Stephen), Richard (Donna) and Anthony (Lillian). He was the cherished Nonno of Stephanie, Elizabeth, Shauna, Islay, Joseph, and Iain. Dick was predeceased by his son Adam and foster daughter Carol. Dick was born on December 25, 1913, near Kilflynn, County Kerry, Ireland. He apprenticed as a mechanic and joined the RAF in 1937. During WWII he served in Britain, North Africa, Italy, Corsica and France. After the war he emigrated to Canada and joined deHavilland Aircraft in 1950. As a technical representative with DH he traveled extensively with assignments ranging from the Arctic to the jungles of South America. In the mid 1960's he was attached to the US Army/USAF in Viet Nam as the Caribou C7-A aircraft expert and was awarded the Bronze Star. Dick was known for his green thumb, wine-making, colourful political opinions and love of song and poetry. He was grateful to God for every day granted to him Dick's family is deeply appreciative of the exceptional, loving care he received from the Westside Care Centre staff during his final years. A Memorial Service was held in Westbank, BC with interment to follow at a later date in Toronto. Flowers are gratefully declined. Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.