Dick Staples

Our amazing gentle giant passed away peacefully with his wife Vera sleeping by his side and fat cat Bob nestled in with them.  Just the way he wanted after 94 incredible years. There aren’t enough words or space to fully capture Dick’s character and qualities – loving, kind, gentleman, strong, funny, hard working, humble, practical, generous… the list is endless.

Dick was born in Erickson, BC on October 24, 1924 to Frank and Georgie Staples.  He was a dashing young man who took up farming on the flats after high school. He patiently waited three years for Vera to attend nursing school and married the love of his life on February 28, 1950.  RSVP: Richard Staples & Vera Packman. 

The years that followed were full – farming and cattle, raising four children and enjoying life to the fullest.  Family always came first – snow skiing at Schweitzer, time at the lake and attending kids’ activities, even if it meant delaying harvesting so he could be there.  Dad could fix anything and always picked up the heavy end for others.  At 16, he built his own skis and was the first skier on Kootenay Lake.  He windsurfed & flew an ultralight; golfed, curled and waterskied all the way up to his 90’s.  

Mom and Dad sold the farm in 1995 and had many years of adventure and travel, especially in their RV.   They built their own cabin at Kootenay Lake in 1990 where they often stayed until the first snowfall. Dad so loved the lake place.

Dick is predeceased by both his parents, Vera’s parents Harold and Isadora, his sisters Helen and Marion and in laws, John, Art, Ken, Norman and Georgette.  

Surviving Dick are: Vera, his beloved wife and life partner of 69 years; loving children Vern (Lori), Chris (Andy), Jon (Linda) and Joan (Wade), special grandchildren Holly, Lauren, Adam, Cameron, Lyndon, Thom, Elise, Kyle and Morgan, god-daughter Nancy Wilde, as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Dad lived his life exactly how he wanted, and his most fervent wish was to remain at home.  His family is so grateful to those who made it possible, including caregivers Mick, Rebecca and Edith, niece Debbie, friends Jim & Myra and especially his nursing angel, Vicki.  

Interment will take place at 1:00 pm on May 15that Forest Lawn Cemetery.  The Memorial Service will be held 2:00 pm at Trinity United Church, Reverend Paula officiating, followed by a time of sharing and celebrating Dick’s wonderful life in the church hall over coffee and pie

(Dick LOVED his pie!).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Creston and District Society for Community Living for their Therapeutic Riding Program. 

Pallbearers are Vern & Kyle Staples, Andy Christie, Cam & Elise Staples and Lyndon Sommerfeld.

Honorary pallbearers are Bill Constable, Jim Krell, Ken Devlin, Lew Truscott and John DeYoung.

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