Richard Gordon McKelvie

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Richard McKelvie, 82, on October 28, 2025. Richard passed peacefully at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. 

Richard was a joyful presence in the community, particularly around the United Church and Klaglahchie Fine Arts theatre. His curiosity and creative invention saw him through one daunting project after another, as he drew his circle of friends wider and wider. He designed and built the earth-sheltered house that became the family home and the heart of so many gatherings. He was instrumental in the redesign of the Ponoka United Church Sanctuary, and was proud to work with his son, Brent, to design and build the bridge at the Village at Pigeon Lake. 

Nature was very important to Richard. Tree-planting was a regular activity at the farm, and while it sometimes seemed that the tree brigade stayed only steps ahead of the beavers, more than 1500 trees were planted in shelterbelts, and on riverbanks. The family farm now boasts peaceful, mature groves with stunning fall colours thanks to Richard and Linda’s dedicated environmentalism. 

Richard loved to connect with people, as a storyteller and kind listener. He was always the first to welcome a new face, to soak up new stories, and to liven up any gathering with his own tales of farming on the prairies. He was irrepressible. His laugh could be heard across a room (and across a church sanctuary), and his friendly nature guaranteed that he never laughed alone. 

While we mark his passing with heavy hearts, we take comfort that his legacy lives on, in the machines and structures he built, the trees he planted, and in the wonderful communities of friends he brought together. 

Richard was predeceased by his parents Alzina & Gordon McKelvie.  He is survived by his loving wife Linda; brother Lawrence (Kathleen); children Bryan (Josephine), Brent (Michelle), and Robyn (Nathan); grandchildren Justine, Grace, Connor, Madeline, and Georgina; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Wildlife Foundation, Diabetes Canada or the Ponoka United Church. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ponoka United Church (livestream broadcast link located below).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Gordon McKelvie, please visit our floral store.