Obituary of Richard David Lake
LAKE, Richard David ‘Dick’ – It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Richard Lake at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the age of 99. Predeceased by his devoted wife Audrey Lake (nee Cooper). Loving father of Susan Lake, Donna (Lyle) Melnyk, and Terry (Terry) Rutledge. Cherished Papa of Daniel, Matthew, Andrew (Sarah), Julia (Lucas), and James (Rebecca) and Great-Grandfather of Cole. Dear brother of Vera, Earl, and Brian. Predeceased by his siblings Mae, Lillian, Maurice, and William.
Richard was a man of many talents: a WW2 RCAF Veteran, a master craftsman who built 3 boats and a house, and a passionate gardener and artist. His life was filled with adventures, from road trips across North America to precious moments spent with his wife and daughters. Known for his positivity, kindness, and love for life, Richard made friends easily and cherished every day as a gift.
Richard enjoyed hard work throughout his career and always appreciated every opportunity that presented itself, from working as a delivery boy as a child for both a butcher and a grocer in Toronto, to being a Machinist Apprentice at 15 at Dominion Bridge, to serving as a Power Plant Operator and Diesel Electric Mechanic in the RCAF, WW2 in Comox, B.C. After the war, he had an auto body business, fixing and painting cars, and then owned a gas station with a childhood friend. He then joined A.V. Roe and Orenda Engines as a Precision Grinder working on the AVRO Arrow. He then went into Sales and sold Life Insurance, then held sales and management positions in the Industrial Diamond Tool business. After this he worked for several truck transportation companies in Sales and Management positions. He enjoyed it all, especially all the friends and acquaintances he met.
The family is deeply grateful to the entire Care Team at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre for the exceptional care he received, and outstanding quality of life that was provided to him in his last years.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to join the family at Garden City Funerals, 39 Court Street St. Catharines. Visitation Wednesday, March 27th from 12 to 1pm with a Funeral Service in Celebration of his Life to follow at 1pm in the Chapel. In honour of Richard’s memory, donations can made to the Sunnybrook Veterans Fund at donate.sunnybrook.ca/tribute and are greatly appreciated. Online condolences at gardencityfunerals.ca.