Obituary of Richard Earnest Deacon

Born on November 11, 1954, in Claresholm, AB, to Dad “Deac” and Mom Jessie, Rick's experiences were shaped by his father's service in the Air Force, leading him to reside in various Canadian cities. His formative years unfolded in Comox, Vancouver Island. Rick was 15 when the family moved to a hobby farm near Salmon Arm, BC. Two years later, he spotted a new girl in town, just 15, and the moment she turned 18, they had to get married – because they were so in love!

Rick worked for Air Canada in Calgary for a couple of years, then in Didsbury with Prasco Air Seeders, eventually moving to set up a dealership with his brothers in High River. After relocating to Red Deer in 1982, Rick worked with his brother-in-law, Harv, at Farm Land Agro.

By then, the family, consisting of 3 boys and 1 girl, took their skills and dreams west of Red Deer, where they built a home & shop. Farming, work, fun, entertaining, animals, and a family business of Paintball Busters – all this and much more made for great memories. George’s Farm Supply eventually became his primary job, which he absolutely loved.

After surviving a heart attack, Rick retired, enjoying eight blissful years on a float home in Victoria, becoming a water taxi captain for the Victoria Harbor Ferry. Returning to Red Deer, he cherished his growing family, now with 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Rick was who he was, did what he said, lived and spoke what he believed. He could make you feel like the most important person in the world with his warm eyes, strong hug, or handshake, even interested in the name of a stranger. He was your friend! From an eye issue to losing vision in one eye, to getting to Edmonton Hospital for testing & eventually being diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive lymphoma cancer, his world took on a new reality. After eight weeks in Edmonton Hospitals, he was admitted to Red Deer hospice. Over the past months, he was heard repeatedly saying, “It's all good!” With this strong belief came incredible peace, rooted in trusting in “His Jesus,” who had come to him in a dream a few weeks prior. Jesus told him to “come home,” and now he has.

Rick was predeceased by his dad Roland and sister Heather. He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Arlene; sons Dustin (Melissa), Derek (Amanda), Matti; daughter Devi (David) Torwalt; along with all the wonderful grands and great grands, nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws – and you, his many many many friends! With great sorrow, he also leaves his 95-year-old mom, Jessie, and three brothers Gary (Joyce), David (Susan), Dan (Sherry), and Sister Sandi Martin.

We will see you in a minute, dear Rick. It’s all good!

A Memorial Service to celebrate Rick’s life will be held at the Impact Life Church, 20 Kelloway Crescent, Red Deer, Alberta, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. For any unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/@ImpactLifeChurch/streams. Memorial donations gratefully accepted, in memory of Rick Deacon, to Red Deer Hospice Society, through their website at reddeerhospice.com/donate. Upon arriving at hospice to receive care, Rick described it as "More Perfect Than Perfect.". Condolences to Rick’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Deacon” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944