Richard Bedford Bates

BATES, Richard Bedford Bedford was born February 16, 1930 in Gleichen, Alberta. He passed away peacefully on January 5, 2016 in the Care Unit at Berwick Royal Oak, Victoria, BC. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Bulman in 1990, his daughter, Colleen in 1982 and his brother, Mervyn Bates in 1979. Bedford will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon Bodard, children Debbie (Lawrie Garrett), and Kevin (Gail); step-children, Shauna, Wynne and Keith Empey (Laurie); 10 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his dear sister, Marcia (Mike Picard) and her children, Correne and Devon, and 6 grandchildren. Bedford was raised in Kimberley, BC. He received a BSc in Pharmacy at UBC in 1953. He then joined McGill and Orme Pharmacy and pursued his career there, retiring in 1986 as President. He served on many pharmacy committees throughout his career and was President of the Vancouver Island Pharmacists Association. Bedford was active in a number of local organizations. He joined the Victoria Rotary Club in 1969 and held several positions including Vice President, Student exchange, and Historian. He was also President of the Capital City Executive Association and their Historian for many years. He served on the Board of Directors of Goodwill for the Handicapped for over 20 years. Because of his interest in history Bedford was appointed Chairman of the Barkerville Pharmacy Restoration Committee. He later donated artifacts and set up the old time drug store on the 3rd floor of the Royal British Columbia Museum. After retirement Bedford became interested in genealogy. He and Sharon were avid researchers and travelled to many of the areas of origin of their ancestors. He was at one time President of the Victoria Genealogical Society. Bedford was seen by many as a gentleman, with a kind heart, and known for his 100% approach to life. There will be no funeral or memorial service at Bedford's request. He will be cremated and interment will be at Royal Oak Burial Park at a future date. We wish to express our sincere thanks for the kind and compassionate care provided by Dr. Ted Rosenberg and the staff in the Care Unit at Berwick Royal Oak. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com