TRETHEWEY, Richard Bowman. March 10, 1923 - March 19, 2012. Richard's family is saddened to announce his passing on Monday, March 19, 2012 at Ridge Meadows Hospital at the age of 89. Richard was pre-deceased by his parents Margaret and Edgar, brothers Alan and Bill, first wife Leslie and son Geoffrey. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, brother J.O. and sister-in-law Marlene, sister Phyllis (Watt), daughters Sharon (Stewart) and Gail (Pearce), sons-in-law Ken and Cam, and grandchildren Jacqueline, Trevor, Heather, Rory, Meghan and Silas.
Richard was a Flying Officer and later a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII, flying Cansos (flying boats) over the Indian Ocean based in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). He continued his RCAF career postwar in Canada, flying Search and Rescue missions in the arctic, and working as a recruiting officer until his three brothers Alan, Bill and J.O. invited him to join their businesses in Abbotsford. After retiring from business, he purchased and operated the family farm, Coniagas Ranch, in Maple Ridge. Richard was an enthusiastic volunteer for Ducks Unlimited Canada, Delta Waterfowl, B.C. Wildlife Federation, and the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem. The family will welcome friends and relatives to a celebration of Richard's life at Meadow Gardens Golf Club, 19675 Meadow Gardens Way, Pitt Meadows, Thursday, April 5 from 2 to 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire a donation may be made to a charity of their choice.
"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear."