Mr. Richard John Henry Carswell

It has taken me a year to find the words that I want to express here, and still to this day find it hard. Rick was the best cousin and truly a wonderful person. We're both the youngest in our families and and closest in age. We always had each other at the family gatherings. Rick didn't take it easy on me either, even though I was a girl. Funniest stories seem to go back to Golden...how he suckered me into climbing up the ladder to his loft in his room and then proceeded to take the ladder away and told me I had to jump to get down. He also always wanted to teach me to box with his big gloves that were far too big for me. He seemed to be more of a brother to me than a cousin, which was great because I only has 2 sisters. He was also the kind of person that was always there for you too and had a heart of gold. We were brief roommates in Calgary when he was trying his hand at real-estate and we shared a lot of laughs together and cooking secrets. I will always remember our many visits in Salmon Arm and the trips to "Padros" for our fresh suppers, but most of all I will always remember Ricks smile!!!
I love you and miss you very much Rick and look forward to passing on the many stories I have of you to your son Riley.

Rick and I spent many hours on the fireline together working for the rangers unit crew. We were both on alpha crew one summer and walked a lot of miles through the dusty burnt black spruce forests of northern Alberta. You couldn't have asked for a better person to keep the boredom at bay. Rick, you were a good friend. I am so sad at this news.

The last time I saw Ric was at our wedding in Prince George. He wasn't listed to speak, but as always Rick sweet talked the MC and got up to the mic and gave the speach of the night. I will never forgto the time our truck got charged by a grizzly or the OT wineer he scored for us in Whitehores. We will remeber you always, bud.

My perspective of all that has taken place is within the view of Jesus Christ.

The last time I saw you I introduced you to my wife and you we were in a rush to go to leave, however it was great to see you and I haven't seen you since high school. Hard to believe your gone, I will always remember when you first moved to 'duh Fort' eh! I will miss you bro!

As shared at Rick's memorial service:

I was flipping through a Westcoast Homes and Design magazine and found this quote that I thought was so symbolic of my brother. “Modern, modest, yet far from simple: A family home is a home in the woods that is spare in style while imparting a warmth that welcomes family and friends.”
To know my brother is to love my brother. Rick was an avid golfer and skier who enjoyed the outdoors. He was also an intelligent and adventurous man who loved being around friends and family.
Rick had many gifts but his greatest gift that he shared with us was his capacity for kindness. I witnessed his gestures of kindness to many people time and time again. He liked for people to feel comfortable in any situation. If Rick was around, and you were feeling ill at ease, you have felt the arm around your shoulder or the pat on your back. Rick gave you whatever support you needed at the time. This was his gift.
There are four grades between Rick and I so I got to know him more as a person from the time he was in grade eight and I was in grade twelve. Rick became one of my best friends and remained as such.
One of my fondest recent memories of Rick was during a visit with him in Salmon Arm. Stephen, the kids and I were camping at Herald Park with Stephen’s family as well as our friends the Mackeys from Fort St. John. We had planned for a big bbq when it started to rain. Rick immediately jumped in and graciously offered that we have the bbq at his house. Now the Petruccis are a large family and the Mackeys have four kids so we were a large group. It turned out to be a pleasant evening with good food, good wine and good company. Best of all, we were treated to an art show of sorts. Rick displayed, with great admiration, his many art works that he had collected over his travels. He especially enjoyed pointing out the quality, workmanship and creativity that went into each piece. And of course, true to my brother, he proudly shared with us the great price that he had been able to bargain.
Rick was a man who loved his friends and family. Most importantly, Rick was a man deeply in love with his wife Amanda.

Although Rick was a part of our family for such a short time, he truly was a part of our lives and he will be sadly and truly missed. We are so saddened by his passing that mere words cannot express this loss. Anyone who was lucky enough to have known Rick, will have lovely memories to fall back on, both at this difficult time and in the future. Take care, with love.

When Rick came into our lives the sun seemed to shine just a little brighter. His wisdom and caring will not be forgotten.
Rick, we miss you every day.
With love and respect

There are no words to explain our uncle Rick he was what every niece and nephew hope for when they hear that their aunt has met someone new and for it to be someone like him was truely a blessing we will love him forever and not ever will he take one stp from our memories
We love you so much,

Rick,

I sure miss you bud. We met on the first day at UVic and have been great friends ever since. You brought positive energy to every moment and made life more enjoyable - and better - for all of us blessed enough to spend time with you. Please count on us all to support Amanda and your coming baby boy. I will miss you dearly, I am so grateful for the time we had together and I look forward to reuniting with you on the other side one day.

Rick,
You were a great uncle to Hannah and Ian and you will be truely missed. I remember you pushing me in our races together and the good times we had in Salmon Arm, Penticton and more recently Las Vegas. Gone way to soon you will not be forgotten.

Your friend.

I've known Rick since high school in Fort St. James. Since then we often found ourselves living in the same town as we both bounced around the province, often rooming together, most recently in Salmon Arm. He was a good friend, I guy you could pick up with like you'd seen him yesterday, even if it'd been a couple of years.

I will remember an upbeat Rick. The guy who wanted to enjoy life and make sure everyone else was having a good time as well. The one who planned the trips and hosted the parties. He could talk nonstop to anyone, and his conversations were always thoughtful and well informed.

He was typically up for anything, whether he was the hockey player we recruited to do a 60km relay in high school, or trying to figure out how to paddle whitewater in Smithers, or getting off the couch in Vancouver to keep up with a bunch of hardened ski bums in the Selkirks, he was always ready to give it a go.

I'll miss Rick dearly. Even though we weren't in contact much over the last couple of years, I knew eventually there would be a phone call when he was passing through town and we would catch up, drink beer, maybe go skiing...

take care everyone

I will always be so gratful to Rick for bringing true joy to my sister's life. Although it is so painful to say good bye, to know that pure joy and love, ever, in one's life is a gift that we must look through the saddness to cherish. You were a centering force, a magnet of happiness. I remember the first time we met in Penticton for Amanda's ironman race - you just fit into our family like you'd always been a part of it. We went for a run, you told me all about your family. I'm so thankful for the chapter of my life that you were a part of. I look forward to the chapter that involves your son - sorry but I will be spoiling him. Watch over us.

John and Gayle,

We were so surprised to hear of Rick's passing that we can't even begin to express our feelings about your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

All Of Our Love,

Colin, Mary Lee, Andrew, Ryan, & Joesph

Mr. & Mrs. Carswell, Karen, Laurie, Amanda (though unfortunately I have not met you.......and I can probably use first names for John and Gayle by now as well!),

Please accept my most heartfelt and deepest condolences for your loss. I am shocked and saddened having just heard the news and cannot imagine how you all must be feeling so please know that my thoughts are with you.

I was fortunate enough to have known Rick from our elementary school days and through to when the Carswells left Golden. We had many great times growing up together and getting into the kind mischief that you do at that age. As we got older I guess the mischief changed somewhat, but the fun was still the same.

We did not keep in touch after he left Golden, and I did not see him for years until kind of randomly meeting up with him in Vancouver about 10 or so years ago. We had a great few hours together, catching up over lunch and a drive around Vancouver on a beautiful day, and that was the last time I saw him.

I have nothing but great memories from the times we spent together with Rick and the rest of the Carswell Family. Rick was a great friend to me and I'm very sorry that he has passed away.

We had the pleasure of having Rick and Amanda live in our basement suite for six months last year while they looked to buy a house together. The first day they arrived, Rick had met almost all the neighbours in our cul-de-sac and had learned things about them we didn't even know, despite having lived there for a couple of years. Having known Rick since childhood, I wasn't surprised. That was Rick. He loved to meet new people and would talk to just about anyone. Rick was a small town boy at heart with a disarming smile and quick wit. Conversations with Rick were often thought-provoking and always engaging. He is missed. We feel privileged to have known Rick and will cherish the memories.

"Son how was your trip home from Kamloops". Rick's response was "Fantastic!". I shouldn't elaborate the details but I always tell the story and remember Ricks grin. He had the biggest grin that I always remember. I coached Rick in his senior years in Basketball in Fort St. James. Rick was such a hard worker and a pleasure to Coach, you didn't have to tell him twice. When I heard of Ricks passing I was truely saddened. My depest condolences to the Carswell Family.

It must be about 14 years now since we first met, joining the MOF to spend our summers firefighting. I seem to recall that Rick managed to accidently hit me in the face somehow three times within the first week of our meeting. I vowed to stay away from that guy….However, that endearing personality of his soon won me over.

I always imagined Rick to be that old guy in the rest home, charming the nurses and convincing staff to allow him some sort of unorthodox behavior that was ‘outside of policy’. He liked to do that! Not only was he a charmer, but he also possessed the gift of gab. I am pretty sure he could talk to anyone at anytime about anything. But not only could he talk, he could listen too. I am going to miss those never-ending conversations we always had when we got together. Another outstanding quality of Rick’s was his enthusiasm to try new things. He was definitely a “Yes” Man – always willing and able to give it a go. And what a wonderful way to live life.

I have never had the pleasure to meet Rick’s family, but I would like you to know that Rick spoke so very highly and fondly of you all. Rick knew my family and had many a good discussion with my Dad Gary. My Mum Liz and brothers Gavin and Nathan would like to express their sadness at his passing.

So while I am so very sad for so many reasons, I am so very grateful for the good times that I have spent with Rick.

Thank you Rick, for being a part of my life. Thank you for your insights and advice and for the memories of shopping trips, kicking your butt skiing, and inanities both on and off the fireline. You have been a wonderful friend.

With love,

Donelle Murdoch

Rick was great at keeping in touch, even though we're now 20 years out from Grad '90.

One of my last memories of him was being out on the town in Kelowna, and watching him dazzle and charm everyone around - truly one of his many gifts. The next morning he got up before anyone was awake and went for a run.

We lost touch over the past couple of years, and I am truly sorry we didn't have the chance to have another deep discussion about life - the sort I remember having with him in the high school library back in Fort St. James.

My thoughts are with you, his family. Please take care of yourselves and each other.

I'll never forget the look on Rick's face when he scored the Provincial winning O.T. goal, in Whitehorse. I was the first to hug him and celebrate our victory! A fond memory indeed!

I had the pleasure of taking Rick as my escort, to my dry grad party at Esthers Inn, at Prince George. He was a friend to many in our Grad class of 89, and I wanted him to share our grad memories with us. His smiling face and great times together will always be remembered by many of us...

Lots of great memories on the lake in the boat. On to a better place.

I have been thinking about Rick since my mum called and told me of Rick's passing. I remember Rick as a fun loving, outgoing guy! He always had a cheeky smile on his face and could talk to you for hours about anything! In fact my fondest memory is the 12 hour drive we took in my little firefly from the Fort to Vancouver in the summer of 1990 to hit our universities. I recall him singing at the top of his lungs to a Milli Vanilli song!

My heart goes out to his entire family and all the friends that are saddend by his passing.

I can't believe your gone Rick! It has been a long time since we were in High School in Fort Saint James and I'm deeply sadden your gone. Deepest sympathies and prayers to the Carswell family.

We are so sorry to hear the sad news about Rick. We worked with him firefighting in the summers in Smithers. We also saw him a few times while he lived in Salmon Arm. The world has lost a great guy!

Sincerely,

Suzy Tayler Beckner and Kevin Beckner

Rick has been a true friend to me for most of my life. I have so many memories of good times spent with him that will always bring a smile to my face. I remember those long ago days in Golden when he had his freckles and his big smile and was known as Ricky rather than Rick. I remember loads of good times at UVIC when he was persevering through his studies and I was mostly goofing off and talking him into joining me on countless surfing, hiking and skiing trips. Most recently I remember swimming in the ocean in the middle of the night with Rick, Amanda and a few others at their wedding in Mexico and how happy he was in her presence.
I miss you buddy. Thank you so much for being there for me so many times over the years. You have been a true light in my life.

I was fortunate enough to grow up with Rick. I will never forget under the picnic table in the Carswell's backyard, all the laughs that we had and doubling on BMX bikes.
I will remember the last time I saw Rick with great fondness, as we had not seen each other for many years, Rick and I had a great time catching up and I met his girlfriend at the time. Rick kindly introduced us and then caught himself and hesitantly asked me if it was okay that he was dating given that he still wasn't sure if we had ever officially broken up from grade 7! I will remember our catching up and his great sense of humor always.
I am very sorry for your family's loss.
All my best to you and your's.

We will all miss Rick here at the Salmon Arm Golf Club, he was a great guy and a wonderful member of our club.

My deepest sympathy for you and your family at this time. I had the honour of working with Rick on a community project. He has stayed in my mind as an inspiration, a support and a good neighbour.

My deepest condolences,

Brenda and I have been talking of your family and thinking of you all since we learned the sad news of Rick's passing several days ago. I'll always remember Rick with a smile. We had a lot of fun trying to decide what Chinese food was safe to eat when we visited China together. We also shared a dinner together many years later when Rick and his partner stopped by to visit us in our new home. Rick was the type to keep in touch, and we had a great evening recalling the Fort. Rick's passing is a profound and sad loss...

John & Gayle,

I don't know if you will see this; hopefully someone who is in contact with you will pass it on, as I have lost contact over the years.

I cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I was the Grad Sponsor at Fort St. James in 1990 and taught under John for many years. Rick was a vibrant, mature, loveable teenager, and I've no doubt he became an amazing man.

I have a young son now myself and cannot imagine the pain you are feeling. Eventually the sorrow will be replaced by all those happy memories you have. I hope it doesn't take too long for that to happen.

Please know my thoughts are with you.

We are so deeply sorry to hear of Rick's passing. Hope it helps to know that many heartfelt thoughts are with your family at this most difficult time. Thank you for sharing the many special photos as the memories were wonderful to see.
Take Care.

We are very saddened to hear about Rick's passing and words cannot express our sorrow for your loss. Our thoughts and deepest condolences to your family.

We have many fond memories of Rick right from his birth. We babysat Rick for several years and watched him grow up with our own kids. He never did anything half-heartedly. Even while trick or treating on Hallowe'en, he was so enthused and eager. He loved his hockey whether on the ice or in the driveway. While hiking the West Coast Trail at age 11, he showed his strength and stamina each day. More recently, it was amazing to see how upbeat he was while preparing for the Royal Victoria Marathon with Amanda and how pleased he was with his time. He loved to talk about almost anything from politics to engineering or even how to organize your garage. We will miss his jovial whistling, his enthusiasm and his passion.

My heart and thoughts go out to his family. I worked with Rick in Salmon Arm and he often talked about his family, especially his sisters. I will miss his humor, he was a wonderful person.

I am sooo sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rick was an amazing fellow. He had a fantastic sense of humour, was very encouraging, adventurous and a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed. Carla (Smithers BC)

Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you. May God bring you and your family peace during this difficult time.
All our love,
Glen, Carol, Sarah and Cameron

Four years ago, I had the pleasure of running into Rick at a volunteer Ski Patrol first aid class in Vernon. This was the first time I saw him since we moved from Golden in 1986. Even though I didn’t know him that well as a kid, we stayed after class reminiscing about Golden in the parking lot for almost two hours, like he had been my childhood best friend. He had such a vibrant personality and seemed to be truly happy. I can see by the other posts here that this was one of his gifts. I’m extremely saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to all his family and many friends.

Words cannot express our sorrow for your loss. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Rick truly was such a great cousin and treasured member of our family! His love of family brought him to many weddings and gatherings over the years and it was always a treat to see him and be able to have a "catch up" visit. We would always be able to pick up right where we left off even if years had separated the conversation. We love you Rick and will miss you deeply. Our prayers are with you Amanda ... you are family too and we will always love you for the joy and love that you shared with our wonderful Rick. May you be blessed with comfort, peace and strength.

I have just heard of the very sad news about Rick. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Rick was an amazing person. He was the breath of fresh air that our class of '90 needed when he moved from his long-time home of Golden to Fort St. James. Rick was always one for taking on the adventure - be it biking endlessly around town, swimming in the lake while the ice was still on it, hiking up to the T-caves and canoeing in the Nation Lakes. He would forever turn a boring discussion into a charged conversation laced with a sparkle in his eye.
His love for every moment was evident in all he did. He will forever be missed but will not be forgotten.

I've just heard the news about Rick, so shocking and sad. How can my old best buddy be gone? It's been several years since I've seen Rick so I'm out of touch with anything recent in his life, it's probably been 8 or 9 years since we last hooked up in Vancouver. I have so many great memories of our childhood years..."Hey Matt, I'll play with ya!" then off we go to build forts, go fishing at the river (catching mostly sqwa fish) play with Star Wars toys, have sleepovers, chop off fingertips with axes and so on. So many memories, to this day I tell stories about those years with immense fondness. I have vivid memories of Mr. and Mrs. Carswell (guess I could call you by your first names now)and Karen and Laurie (Karen who used to babysit us and Laurie who called me a fruitcake)...hanging out at your house so often and coming out to the cabin too.
I'll find some old pictures and write another post.
Rick will always be alive and well in my memories.
Miss you buddy.

Amanda I am deeply saddened by your loss. One of my fondest memories of Rick was when I came to visit you and Rick in Salmon Arm shortly after you moved up there. It was such an amazing weekend and so much fun as Rick played super tour guide showing me and teaching me everything there was to know about Salmon Arm. It really showed Rick’s passion for the things he cared about. I will have those memories forever.
He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.

I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was a wonderful guy and he will be greatly missed. My condolences to Rick's family.

I am saddened to hear of this great loss. My sympathies to a wonderful family.

So sorry for your loss. May your memories of Rick and the love and support of family and friends give you strength during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you

Rick was a great cousin. He was warm, fun, talented, athletic, smart and handsome. His kind eyes and flushed, pink cheeks always framed a smile. He never missed a family gathering in Alberta and loved being with his family and friends. We will all miss him dearly in the months and years ahead. May strength and love be with you Amanda, and all of the family, now and always.

As shared at Rick's memorial service:

My name is Michelle and I came into Rick's life as one of the grab bag items that he inherited by meeting Amanda. I have had the honour of Amanda's friendship for twenty years and we have shared many travels together.

My first meeting with Rick was over lunch at a White Spot. I am not sure who was more nervous about making a good first impression? Before the coffee cups were filled, we were off and running like we had picked up a conversation mid-stream. I don't think Amanda got more than ten words in as Rick and I ran the gamut of topics from A to Z for a solid two hours. I thoroughly enjoyed all my talks with Rick.

Last Fall, I made an unexpected appearance in Mexico for Amanda and Rick's wedding - I genuinely thought they knew I was coming. I know now I was just the test pilot for surprise guests because I will always remember being lucky enough to be talking to Rick when this expression of pure delight filled his face when his sister also turned up unexpectedly. Rick told me every day for the rest of the week how much he appreciated everyone being there.

I want to thank all of you for being here. Amanda and Rick and their families deserve all this love.

To everyone in this room, I offer my wish for a peace which none of us are yet sure how to find.

In searching for my own quiet, I looked all week for the quote or the verse that clearly captured all the jumbled thoughts I have; that could eloquently convey how desperately I want to take this hurt away from my Amanda.

It must be true that we each grieve and experience death in our own way because I could not find what I felt. So I offer this to my friend:

One Day Amanda

I do not know where he went.
I do not know why he went.
All I know is Rick is gone and we are all broken.

I do not know how to fix this broken.
What words repair us?
Is there a patch I can't seem to find?
Is there an action or a deed that will put us right?
Or am I just to understand that broken is where we need to be?

We will bear this broken.
And, Amanda, I offer you my commitment:
I will walk this anguished journey with you.

We will bear this broken.
And I offer you my hope for this journey:

One day, instead of being lost,
we will find a way forward and we will carry Rick with us as we make our journey along this unknown path.

One day, instead of feeling hollow,
we will speak of Rick and permit ourselves a quiet, gentle smile for a treasured memory.

One day, instead of feeling sorrow,
we will speak of Rick and allow ourselves a healing laugh as you tell me a story of this man your heart had the joy of knowing.

I will walk this journey with you.
I love you.

The only thing that I know of that Rick did not like was rain. He had such a sunny disposition.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricks family now. Very saddened by his passing and send our condolences.
Shawn and Shay Hubbard

There is nothing like the loss of a loved one and our thoughts are with you. We trust the love and strength of family and friends will help guide you through this difficult time.

Thinking of you. Cherishing the time I spent with Rick and Amanda in Mexico.

Amanda my heart is saddened by your loss. You and Rick had such a short time together. But I know that all that was, and all that will be; Rick's spirit will live on. Your son will be that light that was always shining in Rick's eyes. God Bless you both.
Richard Walter- White Rock BC

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in in this time of sorrow.
Kent and Leslie Lapp

Very saddened to hear of Rick's passing. He will be missed, for how he lit up a room with his eyes and smile and for his easy going kind nature.
May you be given the strength to see you through this difficult time.

I am very saddened to hear of Rick's passing. Please know that my family and I share in your grief.

Rick was a very special person and will be missed. He was wonderful friend and was an inspiration to all of us who knew him. I feel blessed to have known him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kay Eoakemidis

My condolences at this difficult time.

From daycare all the way through our school years I have wonderful memories of growing up with Rick. He will be missed by many and I am so sorry for your loss.

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you all during this time of grief.

We are so saddened to hear of Rick's passing.You all are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. May all the happy memories help you find the strength to get through each and every day.

Kristi Robertson Benner

I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. My thoughts are with all of you...

Our deepest sympathy

Gord&Brenda
Stacy
Kiley
Feuz

We are very saddened to hear of your loss. May the love of family and good friends help you through these most difficult days. God bless you all. Mary Jean deWit, Marjorie deWit and Andrea Brydon.

I had the pleasure of knowing Rick for too short a time and will remember him fondly. I wish you and your family strength and peace as you move forward.

I am very saddened to hear of Rick's passing. I will always remember him and all the fun he brought to growing up in Golden. You are all in my thoughts through this difficult time.

My heart goes out to the family I am so saddened to hear of this loss. May god be with you.

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss, my thoughts are with you in this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Our deepest sympathy,love and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.