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Richard Craven Obituary


CRAVEN, Richard L. "Rick" June 11, 1954 November 19, 2007 Rick passed away peacefully after a brief illness. He is lovingly remembered by his family; son, Alex; parents, Laura and Austin; sister, Sue (George) Kilvington; brother, Greg and niece, Carley; brother, Scott and niece, Lisa; sister, Melanie (John) MacCarthy; niece, Jenelle and nephew, Clinton. Rick also leaves his former wife, Laurie Craven and stepson, Terry Pepper, Alex's brother; his longtime friends, Gary Gillespie, Mike Pickford; his special friend Therese Berglund, as well as numerous relatives, friends and co-workers. Rick spent 33 years working for the Canadian Coast Guard and spent his career taking care of the West Coast light stations. He was a carpenter by trade and was often flying to remote locations on the coast by helicopter to maintain the lighthouses. His many friends and co-workers will remember Rick as a happy guy who had life throw some challenges at him, but he always came out smiling. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Doctors Cameron and Sun at the Victoria General Hospital Intensive Care Unit as well as the nurses and everyone else who took such good care of Rick while he was in their care. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, November 26, 2007 at 1:30 pm at Holy Cross Parish on Gordon Head Road with The Reverend Msgr. Michael Lapierre officiating. A Celebration of Rick's Life will follow in the McCall's Family Centre, Johnson & Vancouver Streets at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.mccallbros.com . "Richard, our son, we love you so, but it is time to let you go. So take God's hand, he'll lead the way, to a better place for you to stay. You will dwell with Him in peace and love, in that place called Heaven far up above, and there we'll meet when our days are done, back together with our loving son." 426878
Published by The Times Colonist from Nov. 23 to Nov. 24, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Craven

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31 Entries

Pamela Shea

December 20, 2007

My condolences to the family. Rick was a great guy I meet him when I first started at the Quarterdeck Inn and I will always remember his wonderful smile.... Keep smiling Rick God Bless You.

Brenda Hubbard

December 20, 2007

I will miss you as one of my favorite guests at the hotel. God Bless

Johnny Bowles

December 13, 2007

I have just returned from Mexico but wanted to say thanks for all the times I had so many laughs with Rick
My heartfelt condolences

Katie Rimmer

December 5, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I knew Rick for 35 years, it just doesn't seem long enough now. His big smile and kind heart will be so missed in this world, but his spirit will live forever with those who knew and loved him.
Fare Forward, Dear Friend.

Patricia Timms

December 1, 2007

To Rick's family: My sincere condolences go out to you all at this time. Rick and my late husband ( Dave Timms) were good friend's over the years. His beautiful smile and great personality will be missed.

Tom Caldwell

November 30, 2007

Rick was a good friend of my brother Bob, back in the 60's. It was quite a shock to hear of Rick's passing.

Sincere condolences to his family.

Jaswinder Heer

November 28, 2007

I knew Rick for almost 30 years and we had a lot of fun times back in the good old days at the Coast Guard. Rick was always there for me if I ever needed a carpentry favour around the house. I will miss Rick deeply and my thoughts are with Alex and all of his family at this very difficult time.

Ernie Sketchley

November 27, 2007

I have worked with Rick for many years and enjoyed his jovial manner and wit. He could put a sparkle in any day. He will be missed but lives on in our memories.

Janett , Jerry, Jake and Justine Etzkorn

November 27, 2007

Kalabunga Dude;
That wonderful cry would ring out across the station as Rick called to the kids. We are going to miss him so much. Kind, generous, inspirational. And a whole lot of fun!

Andrea Rathje

November 26, 2007

My Kindred friend.... what an impact your teachings and words of wisdom made on my life! Your smile and laughter and generous soul is forever imprinted on my heart.
To the family and Alex , I send prayers of peace and strength....your son,brother and father has left behind a legacy of courage and friendship for us all and he will be greatly missed.
Till we meet again my friend....

Linda Jones

November 26, 2007

Randy and I have know Rick for over 30 years. Our condolences go out to the whole family at this sad time. We will always be there for you Alex to share all the wonderful memories of your dad. We always had a lot of laughs and Yes he always had that happy smile on his face and made you smile to just be with him. We will miss you. Till we meet again Rick.

Randy and Linda Jones

Ken Thomas

November 26, 2007

You have demonstrated an endless show of courage and determination in your struggles that life presents us. Always showing the happier side. You will be missed my friend. Rest peacefully.

Phil Emery

November 26, 2007

I worked indirectly with Rick for a period of seven years. Thinking about him now, even though gone, leaves me smiling. He'll be well remembered.

Doug and Gwen Fraser

November 25, 2007

Nov.25,2007
We first met Rick in l976 at Pachena Point Ltstn. He had the biggest smile of any person I've ever met and he was still laughing and smiling the last time we saw each other.Rick spent many times doing dinner dishes,after loosing at the pool table with our daughter Lisa. The kitchen was always filled with laughter. The times Rick spent with us at the different lightstation are treasured memories. Rick Craven you were a true bright light in our lives and we will miss you.

Kellee Battie (Stewart)

November 24, 2007

To The Craven family, my deepest condolences. I was a schoolmate and friend of Ricks back in Junior High School and would run into him occasionally over the years, but had not seen him for awhile and I was saddened to learn of his passing.
May he rest in peace.

loisb bourdeau

November 24, 2007

I am so sorry to hear about your loss

Pat Smith

November 24, 2007

Dear Alex,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your memories with your dad will live on in your heart forever. Hold them close and reflect back often, they will give you strength. Your Dad will be watching over you forever.

Rick, may you rest in peace. You will be truly missed by all. Embrace your new journey and know you are loved and in good hands forever more. RC & AS in heaven mmm...sounds like a reunion party to me. Until we meet again. We love you.

Pat Smith & Family

Bob & Barb Van Sprang/Miller

November 23, 2007

We are so saddened to hear of your loss. We met our dear friend Rick at Pachena Pt. Lightstation in 1993 and have kept in touch since leaving the lights in 1996. We always looked forward to Rick's visits to our lightstation and his contacts with us, since then. His smile, enthusiasm and thoughtfulness for others, we'll always remember. Rick was a true friend that we will miss so much. We feel privelaged to have had him as a friend.

Steve Harvey

November 23, 2007

I`ve known the Craven family for over 37 years and Rick`s passing brings back many memory`s, but I guess the one memory that will stay with me is that he alway`s made me laugh. I`ll miss that. My sympathy`s to your family in this sad time.
Steve harvey

Gorden Schweers

November 23, 2007

Hello To Rick's Family at this time of his loss to all of us. I met Rick at Nootka about 32 years ago. He had just started. I remember when he came back he brought small gifts for each of us on the station, things he had noticed we would enjoy receiving. I remember that most about him, his perceptiveness of others and his generousity. Little wonder he will be missed by all.

Harry Martin

November 23, 2007

One of the rare spirits who bring light to the darkness in this world. What can I say? He will be missed.

Gary Hamilton

November 23, 2007

Words cannot express my sadness. Rick has been a friend for nearly three decades and impacted my view of the world in a very positive way. I will miss him deeply but remain grateful for the part of our lives that we shared with each other.

Lamproom -Navaids CCG

November 23, 2007

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Wayne Becque

November 23, 2007

In the years I worked at the Coast Guard Station (Tofino VTS), I would on occasion meet with Rick either there or other sites in our system. He put up fences and helped clear underbrush around our "antenna farm." with my so called help.

While I was impress that Rick was such a hard worker, I was most impressed his sense of humour. He could make me laugh with almost every sentence. He was a kind man and very conscientious is every thing he did.

Again, he was a good man, and I miss his humour and presence.

Wayne

Ian Gillis

November 23, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathy and our thoughts are with you.

Glenn Diachuk (CCG Helicopters)

November 23, 2007

With a smile on his face, Rick always had time for everyone. He'll be missed.

michael pickford

November 23, 2007

you are imprinted in my soul my beautful friend.

Ted Leaker

November 23, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathies. I did not know Rick for long, but he always had a smile for us. We will miss him.

Rick Specht

November 23, 2007

On behalf of the guys in the welding shop at CCG, we will miss you deeply .

Rob Harris

November 23, 2007

My name is Rob Harris. I only met Rick once and it was a couple of years ago. Rick, Gary Gillespie, myself and about a half dozen other guys went for a long ride on our motorcycles up island. I took a liking to Rick as soon as I met him, and fell in love with his Harley. It was a pleasure meeting him and now I wish I had gotten to know him better.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

Memorial Events
for Richard Craven

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.