Richard (Rick) Victor
March 7, 1949 – October 7, 2022
Comforted by the love of all his wonderful family and friends, Richard Allan Victor passed away peacefully at Bluewater Health in Sarnia, Ontario on October 7, 2022. Rick is survived by his loving wife and best friend Cheryl (nee Beddome), who enjoyed 47 wonderful years together. Also surviving Rick are his children Stephen (Brandi), Jennifer Craddock (Patrick), grandchildren Sophie and Brynne Victor, Owen, Blake, and Maeve Craddock, and siblings, Tom (Shirley), Marj Ritchie (Glen), Vikki Kinsman (Ian), Leslie Gilliam (Lloyd – deceased), as well as Gary Joseph who was like a brother. Rick is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Rick is predeceased by his brother Tim (Linda – deceased), his parents Len and Marjorie Victor, and parents-in-law Jack and Bernice Beddome.
To say that Rick led a full life would be an understatement. His joy of living was infectious to all those who met him, and he burned the candle at both ends to achieve everything he set his mind to. Rick was a voracious reader, lifelong learner, a lover of cards and board games, and travelling. He loved music, and movies, and was happiest in a crowd or in his boat fishing.
Rick’s life began in West Fort (Thunder Bay) on March 7, 1949, terrorizing West Christina Street and running wild with siblings and friends at the family camp on Floral Beach. Rick spent most of his life in NW Ontario, building a career, family, and lifelong friendships. In their homes in Sioux Lookout and Dryden, and at their camps on Botsford and Eagle Lake, he and Cheryl welcomed countless through their doors with open arms and giant smiles. Running on “Victor time”, he was usually late to most parties and gatherings, but would quickly make up for it by become the life of the party with his stories and jokes.
Professionally, he followed his heart into Education, moving from the classroom, to guidance, to school leadership, retiring as the Principal of Dryden High School in 2005. He started his second career in policy development at the Ministry of Education in Toronto, and finally finished his career providing educational consulting for remote Northern communities. He was incredibly passionate about his chosen profession, and always kept the focus on students. He not only participated in countless Boards and Committees, but due to his ability to see the bigger picture, he most often chaired them. This culminated in the year 2000, when he was named the president of the Principal’s Council of Ontario representing Ontario’s 5,000 Principals and Vice-Principals. His incredible work made a positive impact on many lives.
Rick was also a dedicated community volunteer, and was especially proud of his work bringing culture and entertainment with both the Sioux Lookout and Dryden Entertainment Series. In 2015 he retired from his professional career, and moved to Sarnia to be closer to Steve and his family. Still wanting to contribute, he joined the Retired Teachers of Ontario and was soon elected Chair of the Political Advisory Committee. Slowing down just wasn’t in his vocabulary.
Of all the roles in his life, his role as a father and grandpa was his most cherished. He went over and above to create special memories, and always made sure they each knew how important they were to him. He loved to talk about his kids and grandkids to anyone who would listen. But most of all, he loved Cheryl. She was not only his angel during his illness, but was his perfect partner for life’s adventure.
We would like to thank his dedicated and incredible care teams, specifically the Sarnia and London dialysis units, his oncologist Dr. Lebert, his Nurse Practitioner Lana Cook, palliative physician Dr. Maddison, and Teresa and Matt from his homecare team. We are so grateful for their expertise and compassion throughout this journey.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 15th at 1:00pm CST at the Best Western in Dryden, or virtually at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83394231062. A private burial will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada: https://kidney.ca/Get-Involved/Make-a-Gift/In-Memory-Tribute-Donations
or the Bluewater Health Foundation – Totes of Hope: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bwhtotesofhope
