Richard Albert Jackson

It’s with a heavy heart and great sadness we announce that Richard entered eternal rest surrounded by family in the early morning of March 20th at Long Term Care in Ponoka.

Richard “Rick” will always be lovingly remembered by his daughters Richelle (Ron) Jensen and Rebecca (Rodney) Henderson.

His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren Taylor, Macy, Paige, Oakley, Levi, Jada, and Bree; and great-grandchildren Colt, Cash, Kaylee, Weston, Bennett, and Blake - he thought the world of them all; as well as Brenda Allison, his sister-in-law, and best friend of 65 years, Brien Ainsley, with decades of stories which we will hold in our hearts.

Rick was born to Thelma and Albert Jackson of Calgary. He grew up on Regent Crescent where he attended Renfrew Elementary. He proceeded on to Stanley Jones, then to Crescent Heights High School where he graduated from. He was very social and had many friends. Rick and Brien, his lifelong friend, would pack a lunch and head to Nuse Creek after Rick’s paper route was done on Saturdays. Many adventures were had. Rick loved to skate and play hockey. There was an outdoor hockey rink at Renfrew Community. Every night all the  boys and Rick, would hit the rink during winter season. He loved his siblings Kathi, Linda, Sharon, and Micheal, along with his parents dearly.

Rick met the love of his life Rhonda and they married on March 24th, 1974. Rick went to Mount Royal College for Social Work and then to Mount Royal University and received his Bachelors of Social Work degree. In 1980 their first daughter Richelle was born and a few years later in 1983 their second daughter Rebecca was born. Both Rick and Rhonda adored both of them and it showed. Being a social worker, it led Rick, Rhonda and the girls to Ponoka in 1986. Rick worked at Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury for many years. 

Growing up with Rick as a father was an adventure filled with laughter, mischief, and unconditional love. Anyone who knew him knows he was always up to something. Rick loved to fish and go camping with Rhonda. He had an old grey truck with a camper on the back. Rhonda would pack it up to go. All Rick had to do was call his black lab Sally into the truck and off they’d go. If he was driving in that old grey truck Sally was by his side.

Rick achieved a hockey coaching certificate which he put to use and loved so much. Richelle and Rebecca’s weekends were at the arena or watching the Flames play on TV. No matter what, the Calgary Flames was his team. Rick suffered a major stroke at the age of 55 years and has been hospitalized since. 

His room was filled with Flames memorabilia which brought him much joy. Rhonda visited everyday or twice a day. She loved Rick so so very much, no matter what. Sadly with many tears Rhonda passed away in 2013. As the years went by many grandkids and great-grandkids were born. He loved all the visits and facetimes he received. When leaving visits you could hear his goodbyes echoing down the hallways. Rick resided at the Ponoka Long Term Care for 19 years, one of the longest residents they have had. He was loved and treated like family by all the staff and volunteers. His yes or no answers will be missed by all.

Rick always loved singing and music. Near the end, this one song will always be in our hearts that we sang to him - "Love is more precious than gold. Can't be bought and it can't be sold. I got love enough to spare. That makes me a millionaire” ~ Chris Stapelton

Rick was predeceased by loving wife Rhonda; parents Thelma & Albert Jackson; siblings Kathi Morrison & Micheal Jackson; brother-in-law Greg Lane; and his favourite dog Sally.

There will not be a formal Funeral Service held for Rick.

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