We Remember

JACOBSEN, Richard John

Richard passed away suddenly on June 10, 2019 at the age of 75.  He is survived by the “Love of his Life” and loving wife, Linda Mitchell; sons Brad, Brock (Tina), and Glen; Rhonda Head (Jeff), and Jimmy Mitchell; grandchildren Wyatt and Dawson Head; sister Linda Donofrio, brother John Jacobsen (Rhonda), sisters-in-law Anne Millsap (Norman) and Ruth Warwick; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Faith, father Nils and sister Patricia.
Richard was a longtime active member/manager of the Kelowna Men’s Club. He loved playing Gin and Pool, and kibitzing with his best friends everyday there. It was truly his second home. Richard loved being the “Token Man” at all the T.G.I.F nights with the girls. He was such a true gentleman who was loved and admired by everyone.  He was a very proud Papa who totally enjoyed watching Wyatt and Dawson’s ball and hockey games. Richard was a longtime member of the K.G.C.C. and golfed 3 times a week. Richard was also very passionate about his black 63 Pontiac “Too Tall” which won many trophies at the car shows he attended. His favorite place to go was Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Mexico where we spent 5 weeks a year with good friends.  He would be found under a palapa reading and sipping on a “dos equis”.
Before retiring 10 years ago, he was the General Manager of Paving for Emil Anderson Construction where he was employed for 39 years.  He would tell you stories of every road they paved in BC as well as his funny experiences along the way with his fellow workers.
We will never forget “The Look” Richard gave to us while peeking over the top of his glasses with those big eyes. He was a great man. The Best of the Best. He will truly be missed by every heart he touched.
A huge thank-you for the wonderful care he was given during his stay in the I.C.U. ward. The nurses cared for him like he was their own. They were unbelievable throughout his transition period – there was music, candles, a comfort cart and still constant care given. A truly magical experience for us.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Wishing Well Program” at the Kelowna General Hospital, www.kghfoundation.com. A private family graveside service and an Open House Celebration will be held in July.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences.”

We welcome you to Richard’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 13th at the home of Esther and Bruce Kitsch, 3330 Neid Road, (Kitsch Winery) Open house 2:00 – 4:00.

 

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Wishing Well Program” at the Kelowna General Hospital. Link: www.kghfoundation.com

 


 


Condolences

  • Dale & Pauline Draper says:

    Awe, Linda, so sad to hear this shocking news. A beautiful tribute to Richard! No words can express our disbelief! Our love and big hugs to you and all thefamily. He will be missed by many.
    Love, Dale and Pauline

  • Ann Ritchie says:

    Linda and family.Remembering a great guy so loved by so many..Richard was one of the first people I met after moving to Kelowna in 1974..After he and Linda met,we spent many years of fun times together,memories I will cherish forever..Linda,I am holding you in my heart and thoughts

  • Kelly Wolfe says:

    Dear Linda and family. Our hearts are filled with extreme sorrow with the passing of Richard. His smile was infectious and he always had a warm hug when he saw you. Our deepest sympathies. Kelly and Dennis

  • PHIL SWETLIKOFF says:

    Truly a “One of a Kind” You will be missed my friend! RIP

  • Laurie jones says:

    Dearest Linda and family. Such an unbelievably sad moment for everyone. My heart aches for all of you. Rich was without a doubt, the best of the best. I so miss him already. Sincerest condolences. Laurie jones

  • Kathy Kriitmaa says:

    The loss of our friend will leave a big hole in our lives, Linda. It was a pleasure to be around both of you, and our roomie situation in Ixtapa will be hard for both of us. Hugs 😥

  • Tracey Clayton says:

    I worked for Brad while staying at Richard and Linda’s home one weekend. I admire Brad and Richard’s love and respect for each other, and I saw first-hand how Richard was the one who obviously modelled being the perfect gentleman, a quality I see in Brad. I remember how Richard and Linda always set out their morning coffee cups the night before. The person who got the coffee ready would put out the cups to show it had been done…a sweet gesture of love I will always remember. My deepest condolences to Brad, Linda, and the family members I haven’t met, like Brock.

  • Jerry & Judy Pasitney says:

    Linda we were so very sorry to hear about Rich’s passing. He truly was a friendly giant. We hope that thru your memories and love it helps you and your family get thru this impossible time of grief. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers.

  • Dwight says:

    I didn’t know. So shocking and sad to hear this news.
    He was a great person and a great friend and we spent many great and fun vacations together. We have many wonderful memories to hang onto.
    A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts, through us, they live on.
    My deepest condolences to you and your families.

  • Doug and Lori Carter says:

    To Linda and Family. Sending our deepest condolences for your loss

  • Steve and Inge Wilson says:

    Our hearts reach out to you Linda. Too young for such a great guy, friend and colleague. He was also a great mentor for many of us young engineers and supervisors. His memory and legacy will live on. Love Steve & Inge

  • Marian and Jim Hamilton says:

    Linda we are so sorry of learn of Richards passing as so suddenly and such a shock to you and the loving family..
    Please know our love and thought are with you.
    Jim and Marian

    Please know my thoughts and love are with you. Marian

  • Jackie Bottini says:

    My deepest condolences to you. Your in our prayers. It was always a pleasure visiting and enjoying a cold beer.

  • Debbie and Gerry Harrington says:

    Linda, so sorry to hear about Richard’s passing. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by everyone. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Deb and Gerry

  • Bruce & Tracy Miller says:

    Linda & family;
    We were deeply saddened with the news of Rich’s passing. Our sincerest condolences go out to you and the family. Rich was a good man and I enjoyed working with him over the many years. He was a great tutor and taught me a lot about the paving business. His big presence (and smile!) and great wit will be sadly missed by all.
    Bruce & Tracy Miller

  • Frank & Reg Sawatzky and Families says:

    So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. Frank worked with Rich as far back as I can remember. Me earliest recollection was Rich leaving lollipops for me when I was 5. So. 1965. Dad has many memories and last year Rich met us for a pop when I brought Dad to Kelowna to visit my son. Was great to see him and they talked Road stuff for a couple hours!
    Condolences from the Sawatzky’s

  • Corney & Shirley Froese. says:

    Linda Brad & Brock. So very sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. Ours hearts are broken for you. We have known Richard for many years way back to the 60’s and 70’s. ,and the fun times we had. Hockey games, singing Richard’s song he made up about Vanderhoof. Great memories we will always remember. Love and prayers to you.
    Corney & Shirley Froese

  • Amy Desilets says:

    June 10th, was a very sad day, it was unexpected and Richard left us all way too soon. He was the best!! I can’t believe he won’t be there to greet me coming into the club anymore, it’s very surreal. I’m so so sorry for your loss Linda, I hope you and family are managing ok. May strength be with you and lots of love. Xo. Richard will be missed by all who new him 100%. 💙

  • Rhonda and Larry Schatz says:

    Linda and Family;
    We send our sincere sympathy with warm hugs to each of you. Please know our thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of Rich. A gentleman to be remembered for sure. It’s a sad time for all who knew him; and especially for his family.

  • Ace and Sylvia says:

    Linda and family,
    We are very sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. Rich was a remarkable person. Rich was a true friend and colleague for more than 30 years. May you find comfort in all the fond memories of the special times you spent together. We will all miss him dearly

  • Bettina says:

    Linda, Sending you and your loved ones our most sincere condolences on the passing of Rich. Another great guy gone way to0 soon.
    Bettina

  • Bruce Hardy says:

    Linda and Family, My deepest sympathy on your loss. Bruce Hardy

  • Phil & Wendy Olinger says:

    Linda and your families… We were so saddened to read and hear of Rich’s passing. Please accept our most humble condolences and may the memories that you have shared stay in your hearts forever…
    Phil & Wendy Olinger

    stay in your hearts forever…

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