Richard Schaaf

Richard Schaaf obituary

Richard Schaaf

Richard Schaaf Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Aug. 13, 2013.
Richard Schaaf June 22, 1955 - August 10, 2013 With his loving family by his side, Richard James Schaaf, 58, passed away on the morning of August 10, 2013 at Vancouver General Hospital after a hard fought battle with Leukemia. Rick is survived by his parents Bob and Sharon Schaaf; loving wife Joy Heiberg; his daughters Andrea (John Rodgers) and Rachel (David Mueller), and their mother, Patti White; step daughter Jessica (Jordie Stroh); Sister Tracey (John McCormack); grandchildren Taven, Emily, Payton, and Kailani. Rick spent nearly 30 years in service with the Vancouver Police Department. As a beat officer, school liaison officer and youth squad member; Rick started many initiatives, breaking down barriers and improving relations between police and the community. His work made him a recipient of several commendations and has left a lasting legacy. A loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend; Rick touched the lives of many with his humor, empathy, and excitement. His laughter was infectious and he was always the life of the party. He lived everyday to the fullest and had a passion for life that endeared him to all. A celebration of life will be held on August 17 at South Delta Baptist Church, Tsawwassen at 2:00 pm. The family will be greeting friends and relatives after the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a scholarship fund being established in Rick's name. Cheques can be made out to the P.M.B.A. c/o Vancouver Police Department.

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October 18, 2013

Ted Usher posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2013

Pat Healy posted to the memorial.

August 27, 2013

Shannon and Kevin Redmond posted to the memorial.

38 Entries

Ted Usher

October 18, 2013

I was shocked to hear recenlty that Rick had passed away. We lost two of our classmates from Class 9 BC Police Academy from 1978 this summer. Rick being one and Terry Albrecht (Victoria PD) the other. Rick WAS a great guy and I enjoyed the time we had going through training. Yes he always made me laugh. I am truly sorry that his family has lost a great guy. We Will Remember Him.

Pat Healy

September 11, 2013

Dear Joy...as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, know that you're never far away in our thoughts. Rick was a good man who left us way too soon. He will be missed. Big hugs to you and the girls and the rest of the family.

Shannon and Kevin Redmond

August 27, 2013

We were neighbours of Rick and Joy's at Maple Grove in Ladner and were saddened to hear the news about Rick's passing. He was such a great guy, wonderful neighbour and awesome dog walker. Joy, our hearts go out to you and the Schaaf family at this difficult time. We are thinking of you. Contact us anytime. [email protected]

Shannon and Kevin Redmond

Donna and George Siemens

August 23, 2013

Our thoughts are with you Joy. Rick was such a great guy, giving to everyone. The world has lost an amazing thoughtful man. Love you and thinking of you.

Pamela Dixon

August 22, 2013

Rick was a wonderful man, with an infectious laugh. In my short time at VPD I went on over a dozen ride a longs with him and Warren. He treated each and every person with respect, understanding and compassion. Our thoughts go out to his family during this extremely difficult time. May your many happy memories comfort you.

Warren Brozer

August 22, 2013

I met "Rick" through the VPD soccer team in th mid 80s, and was very fortunate to go on a trip of lifetime to Australia and Fiji with the
Team in 88. The team had some great personalities on it with "Rick" being on the top of that list...Being one of the younger guys
on the team I looked up to "Rick" and a couple of the guys as big brothers ,as they looked out for me and showed me an incredible time over the course of the 23 day trip.
The memories and laughter from the trip could fill a lifetime, and to this day, brings a huge smile to my face.
"Rick" you will always be one of my favourites, and thank-you for
the wonderful memories, as you will be greatly missed.

August 19, 2013

Way too soon, Rick! You were the backbone of the marshalling crew at the Golf Course at the Rise and the beer servers at the arena. Vernon was good for you! . . . you were good for Vernon! Sad to see a good man go so soon!
Bill Carr, Grounds Crew - the Rise

August 17, 2013

We grew up with Rick, Tracy, Bob and Sharon. They were always a big part of our lives and the good times we had together. We are going to miss you Rick.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Schaafs and all of the family.

Lots of love,
Jim, Tracy, James and Alex Devito
Grande Prairie, Alberta

James Larsen

August 16, 2013

Richard would enter every door Smiling! You shared yourself with us and you live on through those memories of which we were all lucky enough to share with you. Joy, I hope you found your inner peace.

Kiley

August 16, 2013

I'll always remember Rick's booming laughter, his storytelling, and his endless kindness. He lent me his ear through some of my darkest days. I wish there were more people out there like him but Rick was one of a kind, and I'm grateful to have called him a friend.
Wishing much comfort to Joy and his family. xo

Bill Manhas

August 16, 2013

I never knew Rick not to have a smile on his face and even now when I look at his smiling picture, I know everything is ok. Rick thank you for the great memories, you will be missed and like Simpson said, 10-7 way to early. To the entire Schaaf family my deepest condolences for your loss.

Riley McCormack

August 16, 2013

Im so grateful I had such a great Uncle, I have so many good memory's from all the time I spent with him. Just to think we cant create any more memory's together. You were a great man and you will be greatly missed by all.

Gord & Pat HART

August 16, 2013

Dear Rico
Wasn't it just the other day we were laughing about having the Best Jobs in the World when we were both SLO's. I enjoyed our "strategy sessions" at the Landing when we revamped the entire Invaders Organization!
I will miss you Rico! I am fighting the same battle you just fought and Hope that I have a as much strength as you showed!
Have a good Flight, Roco!

John&Laurie Prak

August 15, 2013

Our hearts and thoughts go out for your comfort at this time. John & Laurie

Georga Zoe Johnston

August 15, 2013

In the winter Rick and I were talking about our Grandson.

I said "If I take Taven out to play in the snow he does not
want to come back in".

Rick replied "Taven will stay out for hours, but do you know what? I LOVE IT."

Rick was an awesome grandpa.

Amy Chin

August 14, 2013

I was lucky enough to meet Rick at Andrea's wedding and he did nothing but dazzle everyone with his cheerful laugh & amazing stories! He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with Andrea & the rest of his family during this difficult time.

Tej Sidhu

August 14, 2013

I had the privilege of working with Rick at VPD. Rick was a man who loved life and loved his family! A tremendous loss and our sincerest condolences to Rick's family...Tej and Karen Sidhu, Surrey BC

August 14, 2013

Thinking of you Joy and all the great memories in Maui with you both - all the very best, Rod and Lorie Stewart.

August 14, 2013

Joy and family,
Deeply sorry for your loss. Rick touched each of our lives in different and profound ways. We will miss his deep and robust
Laugh. We will miss him, deeply. Love Gary and Audrey

Henry Wolf

August 14, 2013

A great guy and solid police officer.
My heart goes out to the family.

Paul Bittante

August 14, 2013

On the beat or in traffic...patrol...didn't matter. Contagious smile, quick wit and a pleasure to be around with. Ricky will have Heaven busting the gut with his antics!! See you on the other side...RIP.

Brian & Barb Fremont

August 14, 2013

Joy and family. Our thoughts are with you at this time. What a treat it was to know Rick. His laughter and great sense of humor will be missed. He will always be with us on Rick's beach, Maui.

Tammy & Wes Lavallee

August 13, 2013

Dear Schaff Family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Freddie and Edward

August 13, 2013

Until we meet again Richard.R.I.P.

Blair Fraser

August 13, 2013

Rick was a schoolmate from Grade 1 - 12. Missed him at our 40 year high school reunion and now I know why. For this I am very sad, way to soon brother, way too soon!

August 13, 2013

Joy, Rachel, Andrea and family. This is a tough one to write. Our thoughts are with you all. We are glad to have had Rick in our lives. Rick was a great person and a friend to all. (Well maybe not the bad guys)
One of my fave quotes from Rick, that always made us laugh, was when he said, my daughter Leah always asked him, "Rick... Lets play the game of Life".

Your life was cut down too short my friend.

Fred Tisdale/Laura Sharpe
Leah and Cody Tisdale

August 13, 2013

You were like a father to me! Kim and I will never forget the laughs we shared and our wonderful trip to Phoenix last year! Go Seahawks!

Jeff Wills

Janeen Curley

August 13, 2013

Taken from us far too soon, my thoughts go out to his family.

Sheila Cholyk (Hutcheon)

August 13, 2013

My thoughts go out to the family....Rick will sadly missed.

John Wilson

August 13, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. Rick was a friend of mine and was there for me on more than one occasion...Rick was a special person to me.

Peggy McManus

August 13, 2013

Joy, I am so sorry at your loss of Rick. The first thing that came into my mind was our wonderful trip to Bermuda and Rick losing his ticket. Great Memories. And it was Rick that gave me my nickname "Pego". Will truly miss him.

Janice Stark

August 13, 2013

Gone to soon! You will be greatly missed! RIP Rick
Rocky and Jan Stark

Greg Parsons

August 13, 2013

I am very happy to have known you; you were a very good person - rest well Rick

Bob Price

August 13, 2013

Rick was one of the guys. I will remember him for all the laughter he brought to everyone around him. He was just a real funny guy. You have left us too soon. R.I.P. Ricky

don simpson

August 13, 2013

hey Rick,you went -10-7- way to early ,but you put more life into those years than most do in a century, dearly missed Don/Bonnie Simpson

Rory Saxby

August 13, 2013

I will never forget the collaboration between Constable Schaff and my Uncle as they conspired to give me a good scare, by calling me down to the constable's office during school hours. It was a good laugh, and Constable Schaaf kept a great straight face while this was all going down. Good Luck on the Flip Side Constable Schaaf and keep up the mischief. :D

Jeff & Stephanie Worthington-White

August 13, 2013

We will miss your great smile and infectious laugh. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Bruce Eburne

August 13, 2013

Rick was a wonderful man. He worked for me while in traffic. It is just not fair that the good go young. Rest in peace my friend.

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Sign Richard Schaaf's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 18, 2013

Ted Usher posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2013

Pat Healy posted to the memorial.

August 27, 2013

Shannon and Kevin Redmond posted to the memorial.