We Remember

BINKLEY, Ricky “Rick”
August 1, 1958 — April 26, 2025
It is with heavy hearts and great love that we announce the loss of Rick Binkley, who passed away surrounded by family on April 26, 2025, at the age of 66.
Rick leaves behind a wealth of love, including his wife Trish of 44 years of marriage and 46 years as partners; children Elana Binkley (Joe Johnston), Jelea (Joel) Kistenfeger, and Robbie Binkley; grandchildren Brynn Johnston, Porter Johnston, Iris Kistenfeger, and Ronin Kistenfeger; and siblings Bob Binkley (Shirley Cook), Manse Binkley (Anna Hunt-Binkley), and Laurie (Kevin) Hooke. He will also be greatly missed by mother-in-law Dorothy Smith-Harris; sisters-in-law Jeannie (Grant) Watson, Lea Johnson, and Ann Feliksiak Smith (Mark Ruppe) ; brothers-in-law Rob Smith (Lisa Clarke), and Tom Smith (Cyndi Jackson); nephews Casey, Brock, and Quinn, Brandon (Michelle), Donovan, Tyler (Gabby), and Kyle; and nieces Hailey (Derek), Kara (Chuck), Kristin, Ashleigh (Pat), Chelsea (Ivan), Mikayla, Mattie (Alex), Emma (Brett), and Alyssa (Chris).
He now goes to join those who passed before him, including his parents Vic and Mae Binkley and father-in-law, Don Smith.
Born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba. Rick’s childhood was lively, between growing up in Brandon and summers spent at the family cottage in Clear Lake, the memories flow endlessly. Listening to the stories from family to friends; he clearly had a one of a kind personality. Clear Lake is where I met this cute redhead, a blind date, me from Neepawa Manitoba; and not sure what to expect; but the connection and love was instant. Rick made life a joy, fun factor was first of hand, and we had many, many adventures in our life together. But the most beautiful adventure of all was raising our 3 amazing children. Rick loved nothing more than teaching them the way of the mountains snow skiing/snowboarding, loved our boating time- waterskiing then wake surfing throw in a little wakeboarding (kids only) and the odd tube ride, mountain biking, hiking and every televised sport there was, the list is endless. We had the time of our lives. The new next level of adventure in our lives; our grandchildren and we have 4 precious little ones, Iris 8 years, Ronin 5 years, Brynn 7 years and Porter 3 years. We are truly blessed, the action packed fun…. Endless.
Ricks career path was adventurous as well, whisking our family off to the Yukon in ’92, then Alberta in ’99, retiring early and loving our lake life in BC and winters in Arizona. We couldn’t have had anything more beautiful.
We are missing you Rick, your famous quote to me, “follow me, you will go places”, and we sure did.
Our family would like to express many thanks to the healthcare staff from Trail to Kelowna, Hospice House Kelowna, family, friends and to all the support staff.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Hospice House Kelowna.
We will remember you forever, let the “tunes” flow, Rick; you love your music.
Sending all our Love to you Rick, Dad (“Papa Surf”) & Grandpa.
A Private Celebration of Life will be held in Rick’s honour at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
My uncle Rick, the funnest of uncles. You were the wild one, the one I most related to through my life. I admired the way you lived, no matter what anyone thought it was a life well lived. Thank you for the memories, for taking the time to meet my daughters in Osoyoos. Thank you for hosting us at Christina Lake and taking us out on the boat. These are memories I will always cherish. Music and laughter, jokes for days, and some of the best stories ever. Thank you, for being you. You will be missed so very much. Your marriage filled with love will always inspire me.
Rock on uncle, and fly high.
Kara