Jun 24, 1945 - Apr 12, 2018
With sadness and enormous gratitude for the special person he was, we announce the death of Richard Earl Zurbrigg.
Richard was born in London, Ontario 24 June, 1945 and gently passed away in the arms of his much loved wife of 26 years, Sheila Bergin, at Nanaimo Regional Hospital on 12 April, 2018.
For four years Richard battled the ravages of leukemia and liver disease valiantly and without complaint. He was always more concerned about how the effects of his disease adversely affected those he loved and cared for than he was about his own sufferings.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Jean, and his brother Paul. He is sadly missed by his sister, Jean Marie (Morgan) of South River, Ontario and brother Donald (Carol) of Victoria, BC., and many nieces and nephews.
Richard had fond memories of growing up in Listowel, Ontario, and often regaled Sheila with amusing stories of the Zurbrigg Bakery and the many characters that he knew in the small, rural town - with many of whom he still kept in contact.
Richard's life and career were imprinted with his values including integrity, honesty, fairness, self-determination, love and a sense of humour. His career path was varied and interesting which included working at the Royal Ontario Museum as a graduate student, as a scientist, veterinarian and federal executive dealing with international negotiation/trade in fish and food commodities.
After "retirement" he was a realtor, ESL mentor, and part owner of an immigration consulting company. He was actively involved in community service, literacy tutoring, a proud Rotarian, choral work especially with St Andrews United Church and live theatre - even once playing the Dame in the Christmas pantomime. Richard always gave back in a selfless, meaningful way.
At Richard's request there will be no service... "Just feed me to the fishes".
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memories, anecdotes, thoughts of Richard may be sent to: rzurbrigg@gmail.com to be shared at the celebration.