The Cochrane community was riddled with sadness and shock this week at the loss of one of its dedicated, tireless volunteers.
Richard Foy died Oct. 30, four days into hospice care ending a brief battle with kidney cancer. He was 65 years old.
Since moving to the community 10 years ago with his wife, Jennifer, Richard served the community in many capacities including past president of the Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce, chair of the Warm Water Therapy Pool Society and treasurer of the Frank Wills Memorial Hall Society.
“Richard had a gift at putting things into perspective … he rarely got rattled about anything,” said Jennifer, who rang in their 39th wedding anniversary Oct. 7.
Describing her husband as “gentle and caring,” Jennifer said Richard was a perpetual student with a penchant for historical novels and a thirst for anything intellectual.
His background was mainly in finance and loans for the banks and he retired from his career as a financial advisor for Raymond James in Cochrane recently.
His ability to resolve conflict was something he was known for and brought to the table to every organization he worked with.
“I’m shocked by this,” said current president of the chamber, Bill Popplewell, who had gotten to know Richard when his late colleague was with the chamber, some six years ago, as Popplewell began to get involved.
“He liked people and had a concern for the community,” said Popplewell, adding that Richard was “instrumental” in the work of the pool society to fundraise for the addition to the Jayman BUILT aquatic centre through more than $100,000 in fundraising efforts.
“We will all miss him a lot,” said Pat Graham of the pool society. “He kept us busy … he was a great guy to have as chair.”
Graham added Richard was “an absolute gentlemen at all times” and was a very good leader.
Margaret Peach, secretary of the Frank Wills Memorial Society, laughed that their team “considered it quite a coo to get Richard on board, as his reputation preceded him.”
Richard was brought in as treasurer last spring to tidy up finances and procedures and quickly became “a complete gem to work with.”
Peach said she only regrets not getting to know Richard sooner and that his talents will be greatly missed.
For Jennifer, who is a retired paralegal and dedicated volunteer known for her work with the Welcome Wagon, she will miss the care and companionship her husband gave to her and will rely on her memories, continued volunteerism in the community and support of family and friends to get her through her difficult loss.
A memorial reception will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Cochrane on Nov. 13 from 3-6 p.m. Memorial donations in Richard’s honour are being directed to the Cochrane and Area Humane Society.
Richard hailed from Renfrew, Ont. and received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ottawa. Prior to living in Cochrane he and Jennifer lived in Calgary.
He is also survived by his mother, siblings and family living in Ottawa and Alberta.
