Shantelle Hampton (Friend from St. Matthews Church)

Entered November 3, 2020

I am deeply saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. He was such a lovely person, always helpful and exceedingly kind. I first met Pat when he offered to help with a project to bring a refugee to Canada in which he ended up being instrumental in providing a welcoming learning environment for that person. My prayers are with his family and friends during this challenging time.

Kathie & David Oakden (Fellow parishioners of long standing - at St. Matthew’s and also of my parents, Jim & Eileen Olver at St. Luke’s Dixie.)

Entered November 3, 2020 from St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Etobicoke

We shall miss Pat’s friendly conversation. We remember his enthusiastic slide shows about his travels. Please accept our sincere condolence for your loss, compounded by the isolations of Covid.
Sincerely, Kathie & David Oakden

Marta Pavelescu (Friend)

Entered November 4, 2020 from Bucharest, Romania

My Friend, Pat Rickards, was a man of high honour, kindness and generosity, deeply devoted to his beautiful family and friends.

I have had the privilege to work with Pat, also sharing our friendship for over 22 years.

There is a beautiful Biblical Poem learned from him, many years ago, which I remember now, in his loving memory.

Pat will be deeply missed and never to be forgotten. Rest in peace, with the angels, dearest Friend !

Step by Step

He does not lead me year by year,
Not even day by day.
But step by step my path unfolds,
As my Lord directs my way.

Tomorrow plans I do not know,
I only know the minute.
But, He will say: "This is the way,
Have faith, as you walk in it".

And I am glad that this is so,
For today is enough to bear.
But I know, when tomorrow comes,
His grace shall exceed His care.

Why should I worry, then, or fret,
For the God who gives His Son.
Hold all my moments in His hands
And gives them, one by one.

Darlene Latoski (A friend of Barbra and Pat Richards)

Entered November 6, 2020 from Brampton

Pat was a dear friend, and will miss our coffee time and walks and talks, and i will miss his friendship,

Jenn Wale (Niece)

Entered November 7, 2020 from Ottawa

I have not seen Uncle Pat in years, but I do remember him as being so kind and funny in a silly way, he always made me feel comfortable. I also remember the beautiful meals he made, they were delicious and so elegantly presented.

Sending lots of prayers and love to the family.
Jenn

A tribute to Patrick Rickards
by Douglas Brown
brother-in-law and husband of
Pamela (twin sister of Barbara - deceased 2013)

Patrick David Vernon Rickards or Pat as I always called him will be sadly missed not only by his immediate family but by the many other people who's lives he touched. Pat was a Christian and lived the Ten Commandments in his daily life. He was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone in need and that is why he will be missed by friends not only in Canada but in many countries in Eastern Europe and South America.

My wife Pamela and I first met Pat when Pamela's twin sister Barbara returned from a group vacation in Europe. Pat also lived in Brighton UK and was part of that group. I had the honor of 'Giving Barbara' into Pat's safe keeping at their wedding. After their wedding Barbara and Pat emigrated to Canada, however, our families did not allow distance to part us. A Christmas Tradition in our family in the UK was the opening of the Canadian Gift Parcels and we have many family videos of these events.

In the early sixties 'The Rickards Family' visited home and we picked them up at Heathrow Airport and drove them back to Brighton. This was a great family re-union!

In 1968 The Brown family decided to holiday in Canada and of course Pat picked us up and drove us back to their home in Mississauga. Although still working Pat took time off to make sure we visited Niagara Falls, Toronto Island and of course weekend picnics. Pat could also 'ham it up', again we have a family video when we picnicked on Toronto Island and 'The Ladies' were carrying the hamper and became tired, Pat suddenly became 'The Knight In Shining Armour' galloped on his horse and picked up the hamper.

In 1972 'The Brown Family' decided to emigrate to Canada, however, with three children this was not an easy decision so I asked Barbara and Pat if I could stay with them while I attended a number of interviews that I had already setup and of course the answer was 'Yes'. As a result of one interview I was offered a Computer Sales Position in Kitchener, Ontario and Pat immediately volunteered to take the day off and drive us through Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.

On my return home in the UK Pamela and I made the big decision to move to Kitchener/ Waterloo Canada and again Pat came to our rescue. He got in touch with the University Of Waterloo and posted a 'Rental Home Wanted' resulting in a phone call from a professor going on sabbatical. Pat then visited their home in Kitchener, negotiated rental terms and so we had a home to come to. Pat also booked us into the local Holiday Inn on our arrival in Canada.

The next day Pat drove the Brown Family to Kitchener and our home from home in Forest Heights. A memorable day for our kids as a blanket of snow covered Highway 401 and half way on our journey a couple of our bags flew off the roof rack and burst open. Fortunately someone saw this happen and so we all went running back down highway 401 picking up pj's socks and ????

As many of you will know Pat was a 'Perfectionist' and a man of many talents, photography, carpentry and of course cooking. On our many visits to the 'Rickards Home' in Mississauga we always looked forward to Chef Pat's creations.

After Pat retired he decided once again to give back and connected with CESO and assisted a number companies in Eastern Europe and South America and as a result also made many friends in these countries. He continued to communicate with these special friends.

Using his carpentry and building skills Pat was an active member of his church maintenance group and also enjoyed the fellowship of the members of this very active group.

And finally when our son in Toronto was hospitalized a few years ago Pat immediately reached out to me and invited me to stay with him while I visited our son. Every day he drove me to the nearest subway station on my journey to visit our son. We had a good connection and had many phone calls some as long as an hour, Pat liked to talk and I am a good listener.

To close this tribute I offer these words that were sent to me a few years ago when my brother passed away:

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no tears in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little–but not too long
And not with your head bowed down.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me–but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must take alone.
It's all a part of God's perfect plan,
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good.
Miss Me–But Let me Go!