We Remember

ESSLINGER, Richard & Arlene Fay

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It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard and Arlene Esslinger, who passed away peacefully just six days apart. Richard passed on November 16, 2025, and Arlene followed on November 22, 2025.

Rick and Arlene will be lovingly missed by their three daughters Samantha (Vince), Franchessca (Sheana) and Kristina; along with their grandchildren Kaley, Sierra, Annie, and Levi. As well as Arlene’s mother Syliva and her siblings Colleen, Lynn and Blair, and Rick’s sister Lynda. Plus many more nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

They now go to join those who passed before them, Rick’s mother Irma, father Emil and nephew Micheal. As well as Arlene’s grandfather John, grandmother Winnie, and father Vern.

Arlene was born in Prince Albert Saskatchewan on July 12, 1962. As a child she moved around a little until she was 13 when she moved to her permanent home in Kelowna. Rick was born in Kelowna on December 4, 1959. They married May 16, 1991.

In their youth they both got into their fair share of trouble. Rick found joy in starting and pursuing his career as a very talented upholsterer. He made a name for himself as well as being considered one of the best in the province. Rick also had a passion for International Scouts, spending most of his free time building them, enjoying them in the back country, and selling them. With this it only widened his presence within the automotive, 4x4ing communities. Arlene spent many years working odd jobs from acting as Wilma at Flintstones Bedrock City to working in hunting camps. Rick and Arlene made many friends during those years and later found out that they actually had many mutual connections.

Eventually those paths brought them together, where they knew from the moment they met that they were soulmates. Arlene would often reminisce of the story of when they first met; Rick had an eyelash in his eye and she gently removed it and when they looked into each other’s eyes they knew that they were meant for each other. Being together brought out the best in one another, as they were able to get sober (35 years), and started to build a life they always wanted. From Rick’s previous marriage he had his 1st daughter, Kristina. Arlene embraced being apart of her life, loving and caring for her as if she was her own. Shortly after they got married they welcome Franchessca into the world with Samantha following a year and a half later. Both Rick and Arlene were dedicated partners to each other and parents to their 3 daughters. Rick worked hard every day to provide for his family, while Arlene was a stay at home mom.

You could usually find Rick and Arlene either enjoying the outdoors (4 wheeling, fishing, camping) or curled up on the couch watching every movie they could find. They always led life with a sense of optimism and humour. Being quick with a joke and sarcastic humour to deal with whatever life threw at them. Rick and Arlene were always known as the people to go to if you had a problem. Whether that was Rick lending a helping hand on your vehicle or Arlene for a sympathetic ear, it was very rare they were not ready to help. Even when their daughters were growing up they were always eager to treat any and all of their friends as one of their own. Adopting quite a few as honorary kids even well into their adulthood.

They vowed to have and hold each other from that day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, till death do us part. They kept their commitment, in every aspect, to one another till the very end. They loved intensely and everything they did they did for each other and for those they loved.

Together in this life and next. Rick and Arlene will be immensely missed by their loving family, close friends, and all who knew them.

A Celebration of Life will be held on SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM, located at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, with a reception to follow. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.

If you wish to attend, Please Click Here to Register.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Central Okanagan Hospice Association.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM PROVIDED BY SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME:

Service
Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 1:00 pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Central Okanagan Hospice Association Link: www.hospicecoha.org

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for ESSLINGER, Richard & Arlene Fay is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke

I liked the personal treatment given to my mother who is 97 years old. As her representative, I found Springfield employees pleasant and sincere, helpful and knowledgeable. Something I didn’t know, was that the funeral home would help me get through the paperwork need at this time. I am very thankful for that.

Janice Cornell

Genuine concern, excellent service, very professional. Since this was my first experience (with a funeral home), everything was above and beyond what I expected.

Randy Hatanaka

Thank you to your team for your kindness to me at a very challenging time.  You have now taken care of both of my parents with professionalism and care.

Nancy Farran

Springfield Funeral Home is always professional, caring and very knowledgeable.  We appreciate that you have dedicated staff for all needs from planning the service to completing government paperwork.

Timothy Morio Tahara

I am not sure there was anything you could have done to make a very intense emotional time less stressful.  Although we hadn’t expected Ken to want a service, when he said we needed to have one for us not him, it was true.  Your sincerity and compassion meant everything to us.  Thank you.

Gwen Harvie

David Henseleit, your compassion and professionalism is truly amazing!  The entire staff were courteous, super professional and caring as each guest arrived.  Everything was done to perfection!

Myra Neuman

Keep up the good work that you do as it is such an important service you provide.  It is still the most difficult time in a person’s life.  Your kindness is so appreciated.  We appreciated the peace of mind that everything was being looked after.

Gloria Couture

You provide a wonderful service for people going through a traumatic time.  Thank You.  The kindness and professionalism shown by the staff at Springfield Funeral Home was exemplary.

 

Kim McCaveney