We Remember
RAMSDEN, Richard “Dick”
September 16, 1929 — August 21, 2020
Dick passed away peacefully on August 21, 2020 at the age of 90, three weeks before his 91st birthday.
He is survived by Carole, his loving wife of 69 years; his daughter Debbie (Gene); sons Richard and Brad (Diane); his grandchildren Spring (Matt), Sephorah (Ryan), Vanessa (Matt), Jasna, Isaiah, Owen, Ethan, and Sean; and his great-grandchildren Easton, Cohen, Eleana, and Brenna. He will be sadly missed by his nephew Douglas (Sarah); and his niece Cathy; also Anna Maria and Tracy. He is predeceased by his sister Gwen, brother Bill, and sister-in-law Irene.
Born September 16, 1929 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, he died August 21, 2020 at Kelowna Hospice after an 8-month struggle with failing health started by a fall in January of this year.
Dick completed school in Vancouver and earned his MBA from Columbia University in New York while working for Coca-Cola. He was a proud employee of Coca-Cola for 43 years, rising to the top of his profession as President of Coca-Cola Bottling and Vice President of Coca-Cola Canada. His work took him and his family to 4 different provinces, and he retired in Ontario before moving back to BC which he always said he would.
He and Carole travelled to many parts of the globe with Coca-Cola and on their own. Their last trip was in 2018 to Paris and a Seine River cruise. They made many friends and lasting memories over their 69 years together.
Dick played hockey in his younger years and gained quite a reputation; later he coached youth hockey. For most of his life and until just 2 years ago he was an avid golfer. He and Carole spent the last 23 years at Gallagher’s Canyon in Kelowna enjoying that lifestyle in the spring, summer, and fall while commuting to Bradenton, Florida for the winter.
He was a loving and generous husband, dad, grampy, and great-grampy and he will be forever missed. In his own words, “his was a life well lived”.
There is no service planned right now due to the COVID-19 situation. Should family and friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Dick met my father-in-law Jim Murphy at Columbia in 1980. They became good friends. Upon his return my resume was sent to him, as I was a 4 year student Coke delivery man in Windsor at the time. Dick arranged to have me hired through Don Mitchell in London. It was the best career day of my life and I worked with/for Dick for over 16 years. During this time i came to admire his leadership, constant personal touches, his friendly laugh and big blue eyed smile and most of all his love for his family as he always talked about them. I last saw him in Gallaghers Canyon at the putting green and noticed it was him right away by his distinctive voice. My deepest condolences to the entire family on your loss. He will be always remembered in only the fondest way.
My memory of Mr. Ramsden (I never called him Dick) was being interviewed by him when I was being considered for a promotion. Most interviews are very stressful from start to finish with a multitude of questions. I walked into Mr. Ramsden’s office (very nervous), he was sitting behind his big desk. He ask me to take a seat and as I did he got up walked around and took a seat right beside me. His first question “Scott tell me a little about yourself. Not about what you’ve done at Coke, I know about that, tell me about your family, brothers, sisters, parents. Are you close?” That was important to him. And as he found out it was important to me also. It was the best interview I have ever had and I walked out of his office with so much respect for the man. All we can do is try to live a good life. Try to give back as much as one takes. And leave a little bit of ourselves in our children and grandchildren. It sounds like Mr. Ramsden covered all the bases. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
Ann and I were so sad when hear Dick had passed. Dick gave me my first big break back in 1972 and I worked for and with Dick over the next 20+ years at Coke. Dick was a great mentor to me and he always cared how I was doing and how my family was doing. I remember the time we bought the John Deere snowmobile from Dick and he was so happy to get it out of his garage. The last visit Ann and I had with Dick was at your place in Kelowna where we enjoyed a great diner with Dick, Carole and the Revelles. Ann and I wish you and your family all the best as your go through this sad time.
Ann and Bob Cooper
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I have very fond memories of Dick! We spent many hours together working for the Coca-Cola Company. He was a special friend and colleague and I cherish my memories of him. Kind regards, Neville Kirchmann
I am so fortunate to have worked with Dick during my years with Coca-Cola Ltd. He was a very inspiring individual with great leadership skills which I will always remember.