Obituary for Richard Allan Hrdlicka
Richard Allan Hrdlicka 1955-2019
What I learned from my father is that life is short and the good memories that I have of him will always be dear to my heart. I cannot express how hard and sad this has been on myself and my family but now it is time to say goodbye. Since we cannot have a service at this time, I thought I would share some pictures and memories of him here and have a little celebration of his life online.
I keep wondering what my dad would have thought of the current events. He was a truck driver for most of his career and felt that there was an injustice done towards the trade. Now that truckers are being highly celebrated, I bet he would be proud. He loved to drive. Driving and listening to music was something that he liked doing and now, I do the same thing. He has seen a lot of live music too and when he and I lived in Edmonton, we saw a lot of different concerts together. It's a memory that I will cherish forever.
My dad loved his kids and he loved his grandkids. He was so proud of all of us and I just know that he is going to live on through us all. In little ways, like the way my sister can do amazing impressions of anyone and everyone and is probably one of the funniest people I know. And the way my nephew James has a love of food and is going to be an incredible chef someday. The way my niece Ella is so charming and goofy at the same time, just so endearing. You can't help but love her right away. My dad was likeable like that. And as for me, I know he's guiding me through all of my choices and decisions in life now.
My dad loved animals and knew how to communicate with them. I think he liked animals better than most people. Growing up, we had a cat named Kiwi. If anyone remembers her, you will probably remember how you had to have permission to enter the house and you'd better hope that if you went to use the bathroom, she wasn't going to trap you in there and draw blood if you tried to pass her. We went through many babysitters. She loved my dad though and they had a special bond. He also had a special bond with my dog Odie. Odie would turn into a puddle when he got to visit with my dad. Together they went on many long walks and Odie would come back looking like a swamp crocodile because my dad knew he loved water and wouldn't have the heart to keep him out. Even though he knew he should.
My dad lived a short life but it was his time to go. He had some very dear close friends and I just want to thank you for being such loving and supportive friends to him through all the years. He fought a long battle with depression and just felt he couldn't fight anymore. Towards the end of last year, I had started a fundraiser to raise money for Cobourg Community Counselling Centre. I am proud to say that together, we raised $1700. The organization is donation-based and that money will help keep the programs going.
Thank you so much to everyone who donated. It means so much to me and my family.
If anyone would like to add any good memories, feel free. Let's all share and rejoice in the legacy of my father.
What I learned from my father is that life is short and the good memories that I have of him will always be dear to my heart. I cannot express how hard and sad this has been on myself and my family but now it is time to say goodbye. Since we cannot have a service at this time, I thought I would share some pictures and memories of him here and have a little celebration of his life online.
I keep wondering what my dad would have thought of the current events. He was a truck driver for most of his career and felt that there was an injustice done towards the trade. Now that truckers are being highly celebrated, I bet he would be proud. He loved to drive. Driving and listening to music was something that he liked doing and now, I do the same thing. He has seen a lot of live music too and when he and I lived in Edmonton, we saw a lot of different concerts together. It's a memory that I will cherish forever.
My dad loved his kids and he loved his grandkids. He was so proud of all of us and I just know that he is going to live on through us all. In little ways, like the way my sister can do amazing impressions of anyone and everyone and is probably one of the funniest people I know. And the way my nephew James has a love of food and is going to be an incredible chef someday. The way my niece Ella is so charming and goofy at the same time, just so endearing. You can't help but love her right away. My dad was likeable like that. And as for me, I know he's guiding me through all of my choices and decisions in life now.
My dad loved animals and knew how to communicate with them. I think he liked animals better than most people. Growing up, we had a cat named Kiwi. If anyone remembers her, you will probably remember how you had to have permission to enter the house and you'd better hope that if you went to use the bathroom, she wasn't going to trap you in there and draw blood if you tried to pass her. We went through many babysitters. She loved my dad though and they had a special bond. He also had a special bond with my dog Odie. Odie would turn into a puddle when he got to visit with my dad. Together they went on many long walks and Odie would come back looking like a swamp crocodile because my dad knew he loved water and wouldn't have the heart to keep him out. Even though he knew he should.
My dad lived a short life but it was his time to go. He had some very dear close friends and I just want to thank you for being such loving and supportive friends to him through all the years. He fought a long battle with depression and just felt he couldn't fight anymore. Towards the end of last year, I had started a fundraiser to raise money for Cobourg Community Counselling Centre. I am proud to say that together, we raised $1700. The organization is donation-based and that money will help keep the programs going.
Thank you so much to everyone who donated. It means so much to me and my family.
If anyone would like to add any good memories, feel free. Let's all share and rejoice in the legacy of my father.