Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Corbett Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Corbett
Sponsored by HIS DAUGHTER LYNNE.
17 Entries
December 6, 2011
Lynne, I've ended up with two of your father's V-mails from 1943 to your mother. Please email me at: [email protected]. You or your family should have these. Linda
Heather Willson & Karen Iwade
August 5, 2011
From Heather
Dick’s gifts to us were countless. During all the years they saw each other and lived together, he made my mom, Joan, so happy and complete, which was very important to me, living in far off Japan. He was like a father to my daughter, Karen, who had just lost her own father and was living with Mom for a few years for high school. He taught her how to drive, helped her with her English, and even checked out her boyfriends. Dick added humour and a sense of serenity to every gathering, large or small, and helped us all get over many difficult situations.
He also showed me how tolerating and forgiving a person can be, even in extreme situations. As a survivor of a Japanese prison camp, he had every reason to hate the Japanese. However, he had nothing but kind words for them, and showed the deepest respect when he met some former soldiers in my English class in Japan. He realized that they, like most soldiers everywhere, are just doing their job as clogs in the big military wheel.
I actually can’t remember the first time I met Dick, as he fit so naturally into my mom’s home and life that it seemed he had always been there. He became a member of our family instantly, and treated us all with the same frankness and love he treated his own family. We will miss him dearly, but will cherish his memory and the great times we had together.
From Karen.
It is hard to say in words how much Dick means to me. He was like my grandfather, my father, and my friend. He took me out on dates, picked me up from night school, and would always come to my track and field meets and cheer me on. He even came to my high school graduation ceremony, which meant a lot to me.
When I first heard about Dick, I was very surprised. It was hard for me to imagine people being in a relationship in their 80s, and it was hard for me imagine having a another grandfather. But when I met Dick, he was so kind, caring, and funny that I OK-ed him immediately!
Knowing Dick was a treasure to me. It was just amazing to see how wonderful he was, and he would never fail to surprise me. He was so open, kind, and friendly to anybody who walked by him. Dick would talk to every waiter and waitress who served us, every child or baby we walked by. He would always bring a smile to their faces.
Whenever Dick came over to Nana`s house, he lit us up. Nana and I always looked forward to seeing him. I loved having Dick in the house, not just for me but what he did for Nana. Dick was so caring and loved Nana so much. Nana was the type of person who would not show her sweet face to many people, but she always showed it to Dick.
Dick has inspired me in so many ways, and showed me how kind people can be. I hope I can become even a little bit like him as I go through life.
Scott Davidson
August 5, 2011
As said at the interment by grandson Scott at Elgin Mills Cemetery...It seems not so long ago that we were all gathered around the man we love and cherish so much at Holiday events, and now we find ourselves gathered around once more to say a final goodbye. I would miss the way his smile would light up a room. I miss his rude, usually inappropriate jokes accompanied by a trademark snicker. I miss the way his baby blue eyes compliment his seemingly endless supply of blue clothes (almost exclusively from Winners). I miss all the trinkets and golf clubs that he would make for us in the basement workshop. I miss staying down there on long visits and playing Lemmings or Scorched Earth until it was time to leave. But most of all, I miss the way his face would light up whenever I came to see him at Sunnybrook, knowing that it was the best part of his day. He was a hero as a friend, father and grandfather, and he was my hero. The world will be a darker place now that it has lost its most vibrant beacon of joy and happiness. But a man like gramps can never really be lost, so long as we keep him safely inside us always, cushioned by our memories and love. I love you gramps, and I miss you.
How you can show support
Fred Clark
July 14, 2011
Don please accept Pat and my condolances for the passing of your father. As a past member of the RCAF it is also sad to see the passing of an experienced veteran. I feel confident that you will carry on his values and memories.
Comfort Keepers
July 7, 2011
To the Family of Mr Corbett,
We wanted to offer our deepest condolences to the entire family. It was our honour to have cared for Mr Corbett in the final stages of what was clearly an accomplished and outstanding life. We truly appreciate you acknowledging Penny and Sadie in his obituary.
We wish you all a lifetime of fond memories.
Comfort Keepers
July 6, 2011
What a wonderful man and I know his intellect, charm, and values have already been carried into the next generations. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tom and Vivian Walker
Carolyn Benson
July 6, 2011
Dear Don, Lynne and Grant-
I am so very sorry for you loss. I had great admiration for your father, and my thoughts are with you all at this time. It was so kind of him to organize my grandmother Ada's 90th birthday party, something I will always remember, and an event she talks about almost every time I talk to her! He was a special person.
Carolyn Graziani (Benson)
Paul Wilkinson
July 6, 2011
Dick was an exemplary next-door neighbour to my parents for over 35 years; always there when he was needed, and we needed him often! Don, Lynne and Grant; on behalf of my mother and I, please accept our deepest sympathies.
Liz van Warmerdam
July 6, 2011
Ralph and Lynne - Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. After reading the obituary, he sounds like a wonderful dad. Mark and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. Know that life is special, and your memories are precious. I'm sure your dad will live in your hearts and memories for ever.
Sending you love and strenght in this difficult time.
Cindy McLachlan
July 6, 2011
To the Corbett Grandchildren:
Tom Brokaw has called people of your your grandfathers age "the greatest generation," and knowing your grandfather, I can understand what he is talking about. I think your grandfather was a very good example of what Mr. Brokaw meant and he truly exemplified all the best qualities that define his generation- hard working, honest, strong, and family oriented.
Although it's never as long as we'd like, your grandfather had a long and eventful life and even though he is gone now you had the opportunity to know him in the best possible way - as Grandpa. He has left us but as long as you live he will not be forgotten. His greatest legacy however will be in the wonderful family that he helped create and nurture.
I am sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
The McLachlans (Unionville, Ontario)
Keith McKenzie
July 6, 2011
Dick was my dad's (Roy) golf and curling buddy. They shared so many good times, and I have great memories golfing with them, the Unitarian church picnics, and when the adults got together for euchre games, singing and dancing!!
He helped my brother Martin get a job with Bell, and introduced my parents/myself to investing in second mortgages back in the 80's.
I loved Dick's quick wit/humour and his devilish smile!!!
I thank Dick and family for being part of our lives for over 50 years ... so many good times/memories!!!
Keith McKenzie
July 5, 2011
My condolences on the passing of your father in law, Ralph. He lived quite a storied life. My deepest sympathies to your's / Lynne's family during this difficult time.
Warm regards, Jeff Lee
Blake Heathcote
July 5, 2011
It was a great pleasure and privilege to meet Dick again in 2001, about 30 years after I'd last seen him. He shared with me his quite astonishing story of his war years, and I was very honoured to be able to include his story and a few of his photos (from the war) in my books. A lovely guy. He will be much missed, and never forgotten.
Kathy and Dererk Smith
July 5, 2011
Shall miss that lovely smile Dick - to all the Corbett Family our thoughts are with you - Kathy and Derek Smith
Jamie Keen
July 5, 2011
Dear Don, Jan, Alexander, Kevin and Emily,
No one is ever prepared for the passing of a parent and grandfather. It has been quite a long time since we last saw Dick. We will attend the memorial on Friday to be there with all of you and to learn more about Dick's adventures. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, now and always. If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask.
Love,
Jamie Keen & Juan-Antonio Caravaca-Lopez
Gail Kukasch
July 5, 2011
Grant, Trudy and family....we are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Gail & Harold Kukasch
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results