We Remember
CLEGG, Richard Murray Eyre
February 27, 1968 — May 20, 2024
Our dear son and brother, Richard, passed away peacefully at Kelowna General Hospital on May 20th, 2024, at the age of 56. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends.
Richard is survived by his father Michael; brother and sister-in-law, Kim and Mieko; and will be lovingly remembered by his family in the UK and Europe. He goes to join his mother Sheila, who passed away in 2012.
Born in London, England, Richard came to Canada as a wee baby and grew up in Edmonton. He loved nature and all its creatures and would always stop to chat with a wayward snail or mob of tadpoles. His love of wading through the shallows in our summers in the Shuswaps earned him the nickname “The Frog Prince”. He also began his love of fishing there.
Richard found his people in the world of punk music in Edmonton in the 80s, and spent many nights hanging out in the music scene, developing his art style by creating gig posters for his friends’ many bands. Richard himself was a fine guitar player, something that would give him comfort throughout his life.
Richard’s love of nature led him to consider working in marine biology, but his incredible talent and interest in art became his main focus and a more powerful calling, and after some time at the University of Alberta studying fine arts, he soon headed to Vancouver to pursue his dream of being an artist.
In Vancouver, he and his partner Josephine made a life together. Richard’s art led him in new directions, and he created several installations at popular restaurants in and around Commercial Drive. Richard also worked as a cook and began a lifelong love of cooking. Eventually they moved to the quieter valleys of Kelowna, finding a great group of friends hanging out at the legendary Bean Scene on Bernard Avenue. Though Richard and Josephine did eventually go their separate ways, they always kept in touch. Many of Richard’s Bean Scene group became long time friends.
His muse came and went through his older years, but art and music were always the heart of Richard’s life. He would always see value in objects that were broken and discarded, and would find beauty in nature and industry, combining them into amazing works of art. He loved his garden, fishing, canning, cooking, and playing music for his friends.
Richard would always see the good in people, and found great comfort and purpose in helping others. His friends did the same for him, though he was definitely a better caregiver than patient. As he succumbed to his illness, his friends rallied to help him through those hard times. Richard’s family will always be grateful to them.
If you happen to spot a friendly frog who looks like it wants to chat, please say “Hi” from Richard; and if you can support a local artist in any way, that would make him very happy.
We will be holding wakes for Richard in Kelowna and Edmonton, dates still to be determined.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
My sincere condolences to you, Michael, and your family. I am so sorry about this. Gordon had let me know. I can only imagine how devastating it is for you and I’ll hold you in my heart, dear neighbour from long ago.
I would like to offer my condolences to your family and all those who were close to Richard. I have fond memories of him that I wanted to share. I had the pleasure of meeting Rick in Mr. Miller’s Grade 12 art class at Harry Ainlay. I recall us both staying late to work on projects, while he listened to Skinny Puppy. Rick was a gifted artist with a unique presence and style of his own. I will always remember him and his pink plastic flamingo Vinnie in a tux at grad. He was truly unforgettable.
Dear Mike, We were shocked to hear of the passing of your dear son, Richard. We remember him as a little boy. and then when you all lived in Grandview as the boys grew to be teenagers.
We extend our deepest sympathy to you and Kim in your great loss.
We would like to attend the wake for Richard in Edmonton so please let us know when it will be held.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey and Ann Dawrant
Condolences to the family. Sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. He was a truly talented artist and an amazing person to simply have known. I was part of a restaurant in the early 90s, and one of Richard’s art installations was an amazing centerpiece. He was such an important figure in the alternative art scene. Rest in peace Richard, knowing your art will continue to be admired.
I probably haven’t seen Rick in 35 years but did exchange a note or two with him over the years and have many fond memories of gigs, punk rock tobogganing parties, and hanging out watching Superchannel. Sorry for your loss Mike. We shouldn’t have to bury our children at any age. Kisa, here’s a photo from grad for you with his dazzling smile and the twinkle in his eye.