Obituary for Richard "Dick" Anthony Botsford
Obituary – Richard (Dick) Anthony Botsford
Richard (Dick) Anthony Botsford, 67, of Fort Frances, Ontario, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, October 5, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a courageous battle with ALS and, just like Dick dealt with all experiences in life, he managed his illness with strength and dignity.
Dick was born September 20, 1955, in Sudbury, Ontario to Robert W. and Lucille (Perreault) Botsford and, at the age of 8, moved with his family to Fort Frances. He married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Armit, on August 10, 1979.
Dick was a remarkable person who was kind, humble, selfless, hard-working and devoted to his family. He was happiest when he was surrounded by the loving chaos of his noisy, and amusing, family. He could fix almost anything, and was very generous in sharing that talent. He intuitively recognized and prioritized the feelings and needs of others, continually reached out to help anyone, and never complained or wanted acknowledgement. He was relied on for his insightful words of wisdom, had a wonderful sense of humour, and was quick with a smile and a laugh.
Dick truly cared about all of the students he taught and counseled, and appreciated the teachers and staff he worked with, for 31 years at the Northwest Catholic District School Board, and then 10 years at Confederation College. He was a natural athlete who played and coached a variety of sports throughout his many years of teaching.
Dick is survived, loved and respected by his wife of 43 years, Wanda; his son Bob (Christine) Botsford and their children Ava and Violet of Thunder Bay, Ontario; son Nic (Mel) Botsford and their children Jaxon, Mia, Cooper and Taylor of Ottawa, Ontario; son Jordan (Sara) Botsford and their children Henry and Scarlett of Denver, Colorado; and daughter Miriah Botsford (Nate Wainwright) of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Dick is also survived by his devoted and cherished mother, Lucille Botsford, of Fort Frances. He had a reciprocal love, admiration and respect with his surviving siblings, Paulette (Myron) Romaniuk of Fort Frances, Brigitte Botsford of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mark (Terri) Botsford of London, Ontario, Mike (Stephanie) Botsford of Fort Frances; his in-laws Bob and Erma Armit of Fort Frances; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his amazing mentor and father, Robert W. Botsford, of Fort Frances.
A funeral mass to celebrate Dick’s life will be held Monday, October 17, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, with Father Victor Degagne officiating. If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be directed to the ALS Society of Canada.
Thank you, Dick, Dad, Papa for your unconditional love and support. Yours was a life well lived. You will be missed beyond measure.
Richard (Dick) Anthony Botsford, 67, of Fort Frances, Ontario, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, October 5, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a courageous battle with ALS and, just like Dick dealt with all experiences in life, he managed his illness with strength and dignity.
Dick was born September 20, 1955, in Sudbury, Ontario to Robert W. and Lucille (Perreault) Botsford and, at the age of 8, moved with his family to Fort Frances. He married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Armit, on August 10, 1979.
Dick was a remarkable person who was kind, humble, selfless, hard-working and devoted to his family. He was happiest when he was surrounded by the loving chaos of his noisy, and amusing, family. He could fix almost anything, and was very generous in sharing that talent. He intuitively recognized and prioritized the feelings and needs of others, continually reached out to help anyone, and never complained or wanted acknowledgement. He was relied on for his insightful words of wisdom, had a wonderful sense of humour, and was quick with a smile and a laugh.
Dick truly cared about all of the students he taught and counseled, and appreciated the teachers and staff he worked with, for 31 years at the Northwest Catholic District School Board, and then 10 years at Confederation College. He was a natural athlete who played and coached a variety of sports throughout his many years of teaching.
Dick is survived, loved and respected by his wife of 43 years, Wanda; his son Bob (Christine) Botsford and their children Ava and Violet of Thunder Bay, Ontario; son Nic (Mel) Botsford and their children Jaxon, Mia, Cooper and Taylor of Ottawa, Ontario; son Jordan (Sara) Botsford and their children Henry and Scarlett of Denver, Colorado; and daughter Miriah Botsford (Nate Wainwright) of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Dick is also survived by his devoted and cherished mother, Lucille Botsford, of Fort Frances. He had a reciprocal love, admiration and respect with his surviving siblings, Paulette (Myron) Romaniuk of Fort Frances, Brigitte Botsford of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mark (Terri) Botsford of London, Ontario, Mike (Stephanie) Botsford of Fort Frances; his in-laws Bob and Erma Armit of Fort Frances; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his amazing mentor and father, Robert W. Botsford, of Fort Frances.
A funeral mass to celebrate Dick’s life will be held Monday, October 17, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, with Father Victor Degagne officiating. If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be directed to the ALS Society of Canada.
Thank you, Dick, Dad, Papa for your unconditional love and support. Yours was a life well lived. You will be missed beyond measure.