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Richard Picherack
Richard Picherack
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20 Entries
Laurie McQueen
February 23, 2009
Dear Frances:
There are many people in Toronto and environs just recently hearing about the loss of Dick, myself included. We share a feeling of shock and sadness that is quite palpable though many years have passed since seeing him.
Dick had such personality - he combined irreverence, intelligence, and a keen humour. Everyone I speak to holds a strong positive memory of him. Fortunately, through one of life's coincidences, Dick and I shared a short but memorable talk about 7 years ago.
I received a very late long-distance phone call full of laughter and mysterious "Guess who this is?" questions. Dick was in Alberta, maybe Jasper, and had met a friend of mine (Geoff) who lives in Calgary. Everyone was very jolly and had shared all sorts of life stories one of which was the classic, "Do you know so and so from such and such a place?"
Imagine their mutual surprise upon finding out their answer to that question was yes. Hence, my receiving that phone call on an evening when a really great time was being had by all.
Frances, I remember you and Roman well from the picnics on the Toronto Islands. I took the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time with Roman at those events - he was such a beautiful little toddler.
My most sincere condolences to you, your family, loved ones and close friends grieving the loss of Richard [Dick].
Laurie McQueen
Nancy Fisher
February 18, 2009
Dear Frances;
Since I heard about Dick's death I have been thinking about you, Roman, and the rest of the Picherack family and offer my heartfelt sympathy. Knowing how capable and competent you are, I am certain that you will function admirably as you grieve for Dick...or Richie, as he was known more recently.
Be kind to yourself in the months ahead and know that your friends are standing by ready to help and support you, however we can.
Nancy Fisher
Maria de Wit
February 15, 2009
Dear Frances and family,
We were saddened to hear about "Dick's" death. Clayton and I extend our deepest sympathy.
Many of my fond memories of working at Metro Toronto Community Services is when Dick was the Commissioner. He encouraged us to do better work and to be responsive to the community. I also recall many humerous moments that enabled us to enjoy our work even when it was demanding and difficult.
Similarly to Marna, Clayton and I both remember that wonderful dinner and your excellent cooking skills. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
With all the
Marna Urbanski
February 10, 2009
Dear Francis,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dick's passing and extend my sympathies to you, your children and your grandchildren. While I have not seen either of you since you left Metro I have thought of you both often over the years and envied your new life so close to the mountains. Whenever a family vacation took us to Whistler I was on constant look-out in hopes of seeing you on the slopes.
I also thought of Dick frequently throughout my career at the City. Whenever I encountered a particularly stressful episode (and in child care, stressful episodes were quite frequent) I would remember Dick's example and try to emulate his poise, confidence and professionalism under pressure. I feel very fortunate to have worked under Dick's leadership while he was Commissioner at Metro. He was quite the visionary! How accurately he predicted both the impact of direct election and of the later amalgamation. His political instincts were always impressive. He was an excellent mentor to me and to so many others. He helped me make a successful transition from provincial to municipal public service and taught me by example what publicly accountable management really means.
I also have very pleasant personal memories of you both - I remember especially a wonderful dinner at your beautiful home in East York in support of the United Way - Dick was as gifted on the barbeque as he was on the floor of Council. To this day, I've never had a better piece of salmon than I enjoyed thanks to your wonderful hospitality that evening.
Francis, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. This loss is proof that life is indeed too short - even a life as full and as blessed as Dick's was. His passing has reminded me to treasure fully every moment that is given and to set aside time to remember those who have contributed significantly to my own life. Dick was such a person and I will remember him always with respect, admiration and gratitude. His legacy is his family and his life of leadership and service; his was truly a life well lived.
Marna (Ramsden) Urbanski
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Eric Gam
February 9, 2009
Dear Frances,
I just heard today of Richard's death January 30 and want you to know of my sympathy and regards to you and your family.
I first met Richard over 25 years ago when he came as Commissioner of Community Services for Metro Toronto. As one of his staff, I had the opportunity and pleasure of working for someone whose professionalism, humour, leadership, unflappability and mentorship set an example to all who worked for him, ultimately standing me in good stead when I became Commissioner myself in 2001, shortly after the amalgamation of the seven Toronto municipalities.
I remember fondly the many fun filled evenings of good humour, conversation, fine food and wine hosted by the two of you for his senior staff in your lovely home, the birth of Roman, and many other incidents from those wonderful days. While it has been three years or so since we last met at the Metro Reunion at the Toronto Zoo, I was glad then of the opportunity to get back in touch with you both.
If one's legacy is best achieved by the positive impact one's life has had on others, Richard has left a major one.
Sympathy and regards,
Eric and Luisa Gam
Camille Guzzi
February 6, 2009
Dear Frances, Roman, Geoff, and Rebecca,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have only had the pleasure of visiting you a couple of times, but they represent some of my fondest childhood memories. Richard was a wonderful man. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences to you all.
Brian Guzzi
February 6, 2009
Dear Frances,
We were shocked and very sorry to hear about Richard's death. We can hardly imagine your grief and pain. If there is anything that we can do to lighten your load, don't hesitate to call.
Judy Dale & Brian Guzzi
Janice Newsome
February 6, 2009
Dear Frances,
I was so sorry and saddened to hear of your tragic loss. My Mom passed the news along to me yesterday. Please know that my thoughts and heartfelt empathy are with you and your family at this time. I am sure that Pami and Daniel are at your side and along with your friends, bring you much comfort and love.
Nadine Stermole
February 5, 2009
Dear Frances
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Richard's death. Brian notified us of the newspaper death notice. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
David and Nadine Stermole
Wayne and Donna Duffy
February 5, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We share your sorrow.
Matthew Doig
February 5, 2009
From Christmas parties to block parties, I will always remember Mr. Picherack as a great father, husband and gentleman. To experience so many adventures in only sixty eight years on this earth is something I will continue to dream towards. I will always admire "Richie" for his back country fearlessness and humbled Whistler lifestyle. Although I never quite understood the responsibilities involved with being “City Manager”, I assumed it was a position that required intelligence, leadership and bravery, all qualities that Dick exemplified. Although I never followed through with Richie’s invitation to shred Whistler this winter, it was fitting I found out about his passing while lacing up my boots at Marmot Basin, in Jasper.
My most heartfelt condolences go out to Mrs. Picherack and Roman, and to everybody else who was blessed by Richard.
Vicki and Anil Kapoor
February 5, 2009
Dear Frances and Roman
We were so sorry to learn of the loss of your dear husband and father. I am so happy that Raj will be in Whistler to lend his support and give his love to you both. You are dear friends to him and to us. I hope that we can see you ourselves when we return to Canada this coming summer.
Val Hudson
February 5, 2009
Dear Frances,
I am so sorry I never had the chance to meet Ritchie but just hearing you speak of him in Banff last summer, I could tell that he was your soul-mate and the love of your life. My thoughts are with you and my deepest condolences go out to you and your family.
Clarke Guzzi
February 5, 2009
Dear Frances: Camille, Katie and me send our deepest prayers and thoughts on Ritchie's passing. We have very fond memories of our times together and the hospitality that was given to us on our visits.
Love, Camille, Katie and Clarke
Evelyn Crockett
February 5, 2009
Dear Francis
people come in and out of our life all too quickly. some you remember, some you choose to forget. I will always remember you, your professionalism, your style,your unpretentious way, truly a woman I admire. At this time of great sorrow I want you to know that others care and understand the tremendous grief that you are dealing with. I know life will never be the same, never be as full and memories are all you will have to comfort you. My heart aches for you and the children, God Bless.
Gail Siskind
February 5, 2009
Dear Frances;
I want to extend my deepest condolences to you at this time of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you and your family grieve for a much beloved husband, father and grandfather. Take care and be comforted with your lasting memories.
In Friendship,
Gail Siskind (Toronto)
Lois Nuttall
February 5, 2009
Dear Frances - as Sandra is on her way to be with you, please know that Dave and I send our sympathies as well. Although we didn't know Ritchie well, we could certainly see the vibrancy and happiness radiating in you - due in great part to your many years together. Remember that there are friends along Superior's great shore that are here for you in the coming months.
Mary Pat Skene
February 4, 2009
Dear Frances, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Please accept my deepest sympathy. May the blessings of a compassionate God settle gently on your heart in this time of sadness. Mary Pat
Brenda Waluk
February 4, 2009
Frances and Family....I was so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Richard. I feel very fortunate to have worked with such a charismatic individual for 6 years while he was City Manager in Edmonton. I truly admired his gentlemanly traits with a genuine personality and an exquisite sense of humor and appreciated his passion for adventure and the outdoors. I will forever cherish the wonderful memories and moments of Richard and those include our office events that where held at your home. I would like to extend my deepest heartfelt sympathies to you, Roman, Becky, Geoff and the extended family during this time of sadness. May you find faith and prayer to guide you through this difficult time and may you find comfort from the many treasured and cherished memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and a celebration of Richard’s life is very well deserved.
Dan Munro
February 4, 2009
I haven't been in close contact with the Picherack family in recent years; However my fondest memories of "Ritchie" are when he would take time out his busy schedule to transport and supervise Roman, myself and a few other misfits on weekend snowboard adventures. There are very few men that could have put up with the antics of four 15 year olds but Richard did it, in a cramped Jeep, without any complaints.
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