Richard A. (Dick) Ramsden

August 14, 1932 - February 24, 2009

Dick Ramsden

Rotarian June 6, 1984 - February 24, 2009

Our Friend and Fellow Rotarian Dick Ramsden passed away on Tuesday February 24, 2009 at the Chinook Care Centre Hospice. Dick had been in failing health for the past several months, struggling with liver problems.  He is survived by his three daughters Margot, Lori and Caryn and their families including five grandchildren.  Dick was very close to his Family to whom we extend our sincerest condolences.

Dick was born in Nelson, B.C., raised in Vancouver and enjoyed career success in Calgary.  One of his first jobs was as a Lifeguard at Vancouver's Kitsilano Beach.  Following his schooling he worked in the B.C. forest industry as part of a tugboat crew shuffling log booms.  Then he joined Shell on the West Coast working as a products distributor - but Dick's real calling was Sales.  His quick smile, happy personality and ever-friendly good nature were the ingredients that led to a successful career in the Insurance industry.  Dick had a lot of very satisfied customers which he stayed in touch with long after his retirement from the industry.

The same qualities led our near-charter member Bob Jenkins to introduce Dick to Rotary.  Dick served in our Club for nearly 25 years; he loved to be part of just about every Rotary activity, especially golf outings.  He enjoyed the fellowship and 'people part' the best.  Dick and wife Donna were gracious hosts for Rotary Bridge for several years.  He was a regular at Rotary Golf and joined Rotary Friends Jim Watson, Don Magee, Bob Jenkins, Jack Westbrook, Fred Peacock, Wayne Smith and others on golf excursions to B.C. on more than one occasion.

Dick was also a long term member of the Calgary Stampede Parade Committee and Heritage Park Committees.

Bob Jenkins was Dick's best buddy.  They played golf, hiked and travelled together - with Mexico a favorite destination.  Although they may have seemed rather rough and crude to each other it was only a facade - they were genuine best Friends.  In Bob's own inimitable words "We'll miss the little bugger."  Yes we will, and we'll remember our Friend Dick.

Rest in Peace Dick.