Obituaries

RICHARD MICHAEL SCHWARTZ (MAJOR, RETIRED) With profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Richard at the Grace Hospital on Monday February 27, 2012 after a battle with cancer and subsequent stroke. He fought hard. Born in Romania on November 22, 1943, Richard immigrated to Canada with his family in 1956, settling in Niagara Falls, Ontario. In 1964 Richard joined the Canadian Air Force and became a Navigator, enjoying a career that had him travel extensively and meet lifelong friends. He accumulated over 10,500 flying hours before his retirement in 1996. A man of great integrity and heart, after retirement Rich was a dedicated volunteer who worked full time for the Christmas Cheer Board every fall and also for Revenue Canada each spring helping the elderly with their income taxes. Rich was also an ardent golfer and member of Bel Acres who relished the beginning of a new season on the golf links with his friends. Richard will be held forever in the hearts of his wife Elaine, his children: Chris (Tina), Julie (Donald), Ken (Candace) and his grandchildren, who were his greatest joy: Amber, Braden, Corbin, Riley, Spencer and Hayden. Rich was delighted by all his children’s and daughter-in-laws’ accomplishments; he was immensely proud of each and every one of them. Their unwavering support for him always, but especially in his last weeks – will never be forgotten. Richard is predeceased by his parents Michael and Theresia and brother-in-laws Tony and David, but lovingly remembered by his brother Joe (Friechen), sisters Barbara and Theresa (Larry), and Elaine’s family: Donna, Raymond (Jamie), and Janet, as well as many nephews and nieces. Richard’s family would like to thank Cancer Care and the Grace Hospital for their excellence and for the care and kindness they extended to him. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish to do so may remember him with a donation to Manitoba Cancer Care, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Friday, March 2 at 11:00 am at Bel Acres Golf Country Club.   As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on February 29, 2012