In Loving Memory of Joseph Aime Leonel Ricard, born July 20, 1950, Paradise Hill, SK, passed away March 21, 2015, Edmonton, AB. Survived by his loving wife Joan and family: Lawrence Kress (Sheila): grandchildren - Ashley, Steven, Ally, Paige and great-granddaughter Aaliyah; Kim Kress (Rhonda) - grandchildren: Colin, Mason, Karlee, Dustin and Emma; Keith Kress (Colette) - grandchildren: 聽Kristina, Amanda, Joanna, Willie and great-grandchildren Kyra and Dante; Rhea (Curtis) Hepting - grandchildren: Kyle, Jennifer and great-grandchildren Isabel, Gavin and Logan; Shanon (Kevin) McConnell - grandchildren: Christopher, Kelly, Chelsey, Dillon and great-grandson Cameron; Corinne (Desmond) Sauverwald - grandchildren: Joslynn, Daphne, Mikhayla and great-granddaughter Annabell; brother: Alfred Ricard; sisters: Rita Fiddler, Evelyn (Mike) Bender and Marie Rose (Harold) Burroughs; brother-in-law: Wilfred Aultman; nieces and nephews. Predeceased by: grandson - Michael Kress, mother - Laura Ricard, father - Gideon Ricard, sister - Helen Aultman. Service of Thanksgiving was held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 - 2 p.m. from Battleford United Church, Battleford, SK with Minister Rev. Nora Borgeson. Shared Family Memories were given by Colette Kress. Music Ministry: Mrs. M. Junice Headley 鈥� Organist; Battleford United Church Choir; Robert MacKay - 鈥淗ow Great Thou Art鈥�; Hymn Selections: 鈥淭he Old Rugged Cross鈥� - 鈥淎mazing Grace鈥�. Honorary Pallbearers were Larry Leibel - Ronnie Knorr; all his past and present co-workers; special acknowledgement to Edna 鈥淢om鈥� McDonald. Active Pallbearers were Kyle Down, Dillon McConnell, Willie Kress, Christopher Swanson, Colin Kress and Dylan Curiston. Born July 20, 1950 to Laura and Gideon Ricard in Paradise Hill, Sask. Lionel was the youngest of five children. As a young man he moved to North Battleford for work. When he was just 21 he met and fell in love with Joan and her five children. A few years later they would welcome a new addition to their happy home. Joan and Lionel married on Aug 14, 1982 with all of their loved ones surrounding them. Favorite pastimes included keeping busy by spending time outside putzing. He enjoyed carpentry, painting, gardening and even babysitting. For the past 35 years he worked in housekeeping at Battleford鈥檚 Union Hospital and District Care. He enjoyed his job and the people he worked with. Even the patients got a special visit when he was working. He always had a minute for them. Lionel truly enjoyed spending his time surrounded by family and friends. Whether hunting, fishing, camping or coffeeing, his quiet nature found a way into the hearts of many. Every child who entered his life knew what it was like to be held in Grandpa鈥檚 arms. His love and pride for these kids did not end as tiny tots. He beamed with pride as he continued to share stories with everyone about all of our lives and his place in them. As our family gathered to celebrate Lionel鈥檚 life we became overwhelmed by the number of supporters who joined us both in body and spirit. We were humbled by the number of lives he touched and by the fond memories and stories shared with us all. He was loved and admired by so many. His easy-going, happy demeanor made him easy to talk to, and the gentle advice he dispensed instilled in us a respect of all people. He cared deeply and loyally for his friends and family. Anyone needing a helping hand, kind word, or a slight kick in the butt knew exactly where to find him. To have him pass so suddenly leaves us with a few regrets. Regrets that we did not spend enough time with him. That we did not thank him enough for all he did, and was. For not telling him how much we appreciated and loved him. We know he would not want us to be sad or regretful, but that he would want us to live fun-filled, productive, loving lives, and so we will 鈥� in his memory. You will be missed by your co-workers, your friends, your great grandchildren, your grandchildren, your children and by your best friend and wife Joan. Please watch over us Gentle Spirit. Memorial donations are requested to STARS - Shock Trauma Air Rescue Unit, 570-1441 Aviation PK NE, Calgary, AB TE2 9Z9. Interment at a later date. Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service.
