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Richard KNOWLES Obituary

RICHARD LEE KNOWLES Richard Lee Knowles, 73, of Oakville, Ontario, passed away suddenly on August 22, 2023. Rick was a beloved husband to Deb; devoted father to Elizabeth (Tom), Melanie (Adrian) and Amanda (Luke); and adored Papa to Erica, Adelaide, Nick and Mia. Rick was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, third oldest of nine siblings, and moved to Owen Sound, Canada, at 14 years of age. After completing his HBA and CFA, he began his career in financial services at Nesbitt Thompson in 1972, and continued on to have a long and successful career in the Investment industry as a distinguished and well-respected CEO. Over the course of his career, he was a valued member and Chair of many Boards, as well as the recipient of an Honorary doctorate of Law. As a leader, he will be remembered as being strong, ethical, kind, fair and admired for his business acumen. Above all, Rick was a family man that treasured his wife, daughters and grandchildren. Rick married Deb on June 29, 1984, at the Old Mill in Toronto and lived in Moore Park for decades with his family. He was devoted to his wife and children and was very involved in their lives, never leaving Deb's side. He coached every sport his daughters played, particularly Mel's basketball, and supported Amanda in her equestrian endeavors. Laterally, he continued his involvement in the sports activities of his grandchildren. One of his biggest pleasures for 40 years was spending time at his cottage on Lake of Bays with his family and friends, where he enjoyed watching Liz water ski and scoring everyone on their dives off the dock. In the winters, he was an avid snowmobiler. In his retirement, Rick had many fun road trips to Florida with his Deb, where they spent time with Amanda's family. Always a racket sports player, Rick recently enjoyed playing pickle ball with Deb at the Oakville Club. Rick made a positive impact on everyone, whether he realized it or not. He was generous to a fault, and always available to help and advise. He will be remembered for his kindness and the compassion he had towards everyone, as well as his unique sense of humor. He will be forever missed by his family and friends and his absence leaves a void that can never be filled. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and Celebration of Life is being planned for early fall.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard KNOWLES

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23 Entries

John Cumming

October 3, 2023

Rick , Deb and the " girls " ... were simply the BEST cottage neighbours that we could ever ask for.
Rick was always welcoming + kind + generous. The well worn path between our cottages ... was testament to the Knowles' hospitality. Rick will be missed.
John , Maria and Parker Cumming

Ashlyn Trevelyan

September 13, 2023

To The Knowles Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Rick´s passing. He was such a kind and caring man with such great advice. I am thinking of you all.

John Dunlap

September 10, 2023

To the Knowles-
Sending our condolences to you all. Rick was a true gentleman and always insightful. We are thinking of you. John Dunlap and Family

Karen McGarrell

September 10, 2023

Debbie and family
I am so very sorry to hear this news. I don´t even have words to express my sadness for all of you. I met Rick and Debbie at the Whitney Child Center when they enrolled Melanie. I had the pleasure of getting to know Rick by working for the family. Spending weekends at the cottage and witnessing first hand his love for his girls. Debbie Elizabeth, Melanie and Amanda. He was a great man a loving family man. So many great memories shared. My deepest condolences to all of you

Karen and Hugh O´Brodovich

September 9, 2023

Dear Deb, Hugh and I are so deeply sorry to hear of Rick´s passing. Our hearts, thoughts and deep condolences go out to you and your family. We will fondly remember Rick´s generous spirit, laughing eyes, sharp wit, wisdom and kindness. Sending you love and grace, Karen and Hugh

Linda Pedersen

September 8, 2023

I will miss you so much

Sally Booth

September 8, 2023

Thinking of you and your family at this time. May you find strength with all the love and support of your family and friends. Sally and Bob Booth

Butterfield

September 7, 2023

We especially remember Rick in our early years at Nesbitt
As our career path changed we never lost our friendship
A deep loss
David, Paula Butterfield

Martine and Himanshu Sudab

August 30, 2023

Dear Debbie, we are so devastated to hear about Rick's sudden departure. Sending you our heartfelt condolences,

Bev Braithwaite

August 29, 2023

We remember people for different reasons, a great laugh, a unique perspective, a story shared. But mostly we remember a life well-lived and we honour a person well-loved. Debbie, heres hoping your memories bring you and your family comfort in your time of loss, and that it lifts your heart to know others share your sadness.

Alison Arnot

August 28, 2023

Sometimes only one person is missing, yet the whole world feels empty.
My deepest condolences for the loss of your "special person" Debbie. We haven't seen one another for many years now, but I remember the fun our families had together when Matthew and Melanie were toddlers.
Sending love,

Bob & Mona Gurnham

August 28, 2023

Our deepest condolences to you and your family Debbie. I had the pleasure of playing basketball with Rick in Owen Sound, would cross paths occasionally with him at university and then reconnected with you, Rick and your daughters for some memorable weekends on Osborne Point Road on Lake of Bays through our good friends John, Maria, and Parker Cumming. One weekend in particular stands out where your daughters kicked our sons butts in a variety of activities to the great pleasure of us all. From the outset I could tell that Rick was indeed a special person, combining incredible talents in athletics and business to great success while always remaining grounded. It has been many a year since we crossed paths last but our memories run deep. I am so sorry Debbie and family.

Roberta Martenfeld

August 28, 2023

Debbie, while we only met Rick a handful of times, he was such a lovely gentleman and always so warm. We are truly sorry for you and your entire family. Roberta, Marvin and Kendra Martenfeld

erv sande

August 28, 2023

Debby and girls Judy and I send our deepest condolences during these ever trying times fond memories of a great friend and partner Judy and Erv Florida

Joan and Terry Young

August 28, 2023

So sorry to read about Rick´s sudden passing. Both Terry and I remember Rick as such a caring, kind and most of all, a gentleman. Our deepest and sincerest condolences to you Debbie and your family. May you find comfort knowing how admired and respected your dear husband was by so many
Warmest regards
Joan and Terry

David Hyma

August 26, 2023

I first met Rick when I worked for Nesbitt in 1979, in Waterloo. I could tell then, that he was an aspiring executive and years later, when I worked for Bank of Montreal, we met again. We interfaced on many fronts and found him to be the professional, mentor, colleague that he was come to be known as. "The Street Has Lost A Great One"

Mario Richard

August 26, 2023

Rick was among the most respected financial service executive I have ever met and worked for in my career at Sceptre. Everyone he and I met up n business trips, with whom he had worked in the past, had the ultimate respect for him. I will miss him. Mario Richard

Sue and Rick Kay

August 26, 2023

We were so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. Rick hired me to work on the money market desk at Nesbitt in the early 1980's. Shortly afterwards he dropped a new hire memo on everyone's desk. When he dropped it on my desk he said "I got this one for you Sue". How prophetic! Rick and I were married 3 years later. We will forever be grateful to Rick Knowles for the opportunities he gave us and for introducing us. Our sincere condolences to Deb and the family. Sue and Rick Kay

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Carol and Paul

Planted Trees

Thomas Logan

August 26, 2023

A true gentleman sorely lost.
My best to you, Deb and the girls

David Pennycook

August 26, 2023

I met Rick in the 80s thru a mutual friend (Step) and our paths crossed numerous times. I worked for Rick (CEO) and he yes he was "always there to help and advise". I will miss Rick

Marylou and Jerry

August 26, 2023

Rick was a treasured friend to our family, who will never be forgotten for his thoughtfulness, kindness and humour. Our prayers go out to Debbie and his girls they try to navigate this difficult time.

Doug Little

August 26, 2023

A very sad day for a good friend from Owen Sound
Doug Little.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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