We Remember
Frank Andrew Richter
December 15, 1943 — September 18, 2026
Frank Richter passed away peacefully Friday evening, September 18, 2026, at the Residence at Mill Creek in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Frank was born in the small farming community of Beiseker, Alberta, to Andrew and Margaret Richter. Frank would tell anyone who listened what a wonderful childhood he had growing up in Beiseker with his big brother John (Jeannette) Richter and little sister Teresa (Ed) Ridgen. He talked so often about his childhood home that RCMP Commissioner Robert Simmonds affectionately referred to him as the ‘Beiseker Boy’.
On July 27, 1968, Frank married Denise (née Payment), and the two began a long and happy marriage, raising three children: Tim (Victoria), Alan, and Susan, later welcoming five grandchildren: Charlie, Finn, Alice, Emma, and Harry. Grandpa Frank was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Frank enlisted in the RCMP in January 1964, where he served with distinction for 35 years in a variety of roles, from detachment and community policing to commercial crime and senior leadership, rising to the rank of Assistant Commissioner.
Frank’s long career in the RCMP was just one part of a lifetime of service. He was an avid community volunteer, supporting dozens of different organizations over the years, and was well known in the RCMP retiree community for his weekly newsletter, ‘Frank’s Facts and Funnies.’
He was an avid golfer who joked that what he lacked in skill he made up for in enthusiasm – the same enthusiasm and dogged determination that marked so much of his life.
Frank will be fondly remembered as an incredibly generous, kind, and gentle man who had a quiet confidence and dignity about him. Humble to a fault, Frank was a man of faith who cared deeply for his family and loved his wife Denise with all his heart. He had an impish grin and sly sense of humour. Even as dementia slowly robbed him of his ability to communicate, Frank would still crack jokes with a wink, a smile, and a cheeky expression. To the very end, his selflessness, calm demeanor, and good humour endured – he was concerned most for others, especially his family, with a deep gratitude for a good life and the loving care of his wife Denise.
Every day of his 82 years, the Beiseker Boy made the world a better place. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Charles Garnier Church (3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC), with interment and 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 send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM provided by St. Charles Garnier Church:
Service
Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Location
St. Charles Garnier Church
I was deeply saddened to learn of Frank’s passing today. I fondly remember our year in Burnaby detachment in 1966 and our days off water skiing at Cultus Lake and Alouette Lake. Elaine and I always made a point of getting together with Frank and Dick whenever we were in Kelowna. To Denise and family: your husband and father was the best. They just don’t come any better. Sleep well, my friend. You deserve it.
We are so sorry for your loss. What an amazing man and role model. There was truly nothing I loved more than seeing “the sisters” and my uncles together. It was magic and it is so painful to lose them one by one. You are so loved, Uncle Frank.
Sorry to hear this sad news. As a retired member, I really enjoyed his ‘Frank’s Facts and Funnies.’ over the years.
RIP
I had the pleasure of knowing Frank for the better part of twenty years and I always looked forward to our chats. He was a very kind man with an amazing sense of humour. He will be sorely missed. Please accept my deepest and sincerest condolences for your loss.
Susan Richter is a Sergeant in the RCMP and is his daughter, my condolences to her and her family and may her dear dad, Frank Rest in Peace. He was a real high flyer in his career!
My sincere condolences. In working with Tim I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Frank’s legacy carry on. I know he will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with Tim and the entire family.
So saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. I enjoyed our many chats as a friend and fellow Veteran.
So sorry to read this news, condolences to Denise and family. Enjoyed working with Frank, Edmonton CCSection, great guy.
Dear Denise and family. We are sending our love and condolences on the passing of Frank. He was a genuine friend and fun to golf with. We are going to miss him. Denise we hope to have personal contact with you soon. Jack and Jean
Sincere condolences to Denise and your children—-We only met you folks a few times between John and Jeanette’s wedding and Stephen’s wedding in 2014, however was always kept up to date on Frank’s career from the Richter’s in Beiseker.
—Roger and Yvette Leuzinger
Frank Andrew Richter = Dec 15,1943 -Sept 18,2026
Denise and Family
I first met Frank in November of 1966 when I arrived from Regina after basic training. Frank and I worked together on one of the watches. It was obvious from day one that Frank was a true gentleman and an excellent policeman. Frank was very calm no matter what the circumstances. Frank never lost his cool under the most trying circumstances. He treated everyone with respect and a gentle kindness.
Frank, Dick Smith, Don Mosicki and I lived together on Walker Ave in a basement suite belonging to an elderly grandmother and her daughter. Every week the two ladies would come down to see Frank knowing he would be attended mass and give him $5.00 saying Frank can you please give this to the Priest and remind him that we will be at the Bingo next week. All of us use to laugh when the money arrived usually about $5.00 however on one weekend the ladies gave Frank $10.00 after they won a large jackpot.
Frank’s love of his life was Denise his girlfriend and it was no surprise when he asked her to marry him. When Frank and Denise had their three children, Frank was so proud of them and their accomplishments.
When Ruth and I were married, I asked Frank to be in our Wedding Party and he accepted. Over the years although we took different pathways Frank, Dick Smith and Don Mosicki have never lost track of each other and always kept in touch with each other.
When I returned to Edmonton, I was delighted that Frank was in Headquarters and close at hand.
Frank had a wonderful career and served on many boards including the Heritage Centre where he was the first present and worked with his team to build the Centre into a wonderful museum and tribute to the RNWP, and the RCMP-GRC.
Frank began publishing “Franks Funnies” which literally thousands of members read and kept informed. This publication literally assisted members of the Force updated on many issues and news of the passing of members and reconnected members nationwide. His work was tireless and truly showed his dedication to his fellow members and their families. It is sorely missed but remembered so fondly.
Denise you were and will always be the light in Frank’s life as is your family. I am so happy that Dick Smith was so close and visited to Frank and sharing of stories and laughs between Frank, Dick and I are so meaningful to me.
Frank Andrew Richter my friend you are missed by many but knowing you are working closely with our Saviour helping with a big Beiseker smile.
Very sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. I hope you remember me. I was your neighbour on Terr des Broussailes in Orleans. Susan babysat for me for many years. I hope fond memories help you thru this time of grieving .
I was very saddened to learn of Frank’s passing when I returned last week from a trip out of the country. Frank was one of the outstanding people that it has been my good fortune to know in my lifetime. I served together with Frank in Vancouver CCS, then Kelowna CCS, then back in Vancouver again. Decency and integrity oozed from his pores. He was an excellent investigator, leader and steadfast colleague. He exemplified the best. My heartfelt condolences to Denise and family.
Tim, my deepest condolences for your loss my friend. Take solace in knowing how incredibly proud your father was in raising a brilliant, committed leader like you. He watching you now and smiling with boundless joy and love.
Take care and know you have many friends thinking of you.