Richard Glen Moritz
August 24th, 2013
Born in 1954 - Died on August 24th, 2013
A Celebration of Life will be held to honour Richard on Friday, August 30th at 2:00pm at the Richmond Country Club, 9100 Steveston Highway, Richmond, BC.
You are invited to view the full obituary and leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Richard passed away suddenly in Richmond at the age of 58. He was recently predeceased by his mother Margaret Moritz, who lived in Kelowna, BC and died on July 3, 2013. He also was predeceased by his father Henry (Ted) Moritz, from Sturgis, SK in 1985. He is survived by his partner Joan Hrudey of Richmond, BC; his two daughters – Meagan of Kitchener, ON and Lindsay from Vancouver; his sister, Ann Moritz of Edmonton, AB, and Kenneth (Judy) Moritz of Regina, SK. He is also survived by two nieces (Alyson and Sara) and 2 nephews (Jay and Simon). Surviving family in Scotland include: Uncle George, Aunt Chrissie, Aunt Helen and several boys and cousins.
Richard was born in the small farming community of Sturgis, SK and grew up on a cooperative farm with six other families. He went to secondary school at the Sturgis Composite High School, graduating at the top of his class and playing alto sax in the Sturgis school unit band, And was invited to play at the 1967 Montreal expo at first SK band there. This was exciting for him, our parents, and an honor for the town. Following high school, he continued to stay on the farm and work the land with his father. They raised mixed crops and also had a herd of cattle. He was known for his expert research on new crop varieties and kept abreast of agricultural issues around the world. He also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle along with the boys from Preeceville, the next town down the road. They took many road trips across the prairies, BC and down into the USA. Crystal Lake, was also a big part of his and the kids lives, taking his homemade catamaran out on the lake during the holidays.
He got married to Brenda Ostafie from Canora, SK and continued farming until his father passed away. At this point, the farm was sold and he and Brenda moved to Saskatoon in 1986 with their young daughters Meagan and Lindsay. Richard went into the Finance industry taking the Canadian Securities course in Toronto. That was the beginning of a lucrative career. He worked for well known finance companies such as Nesbitt Thompson and Richardson Greenshields. He then moved to Kelowna in 1991 where he worked for Fortune Financial and with Cannacord Capital, eventually becoming the Manager in Victoria, BC. These were good years for him as he owned a yacht that he kept at one the marinas outside Victoria. Throughout these years he was in close touch with his two daughters, Meagan and Lindsay, who both enjoyed their time on the ocean with their dad.
Eventually, illness took him back to Kelowna for recuperation and he started his own consulting business from home. He worked his way into the financial world with a strong reputation for integrity and honesty. These were the tenets that he lived by. Therefore he was successful with sales in promoting the varied financial products in the industry. He continued in this career area, in the gold mining industry which took him to Vancouver 5 years ago and then to Richmond to live with his partner, Joan. They traveled together and found Parksville on Vancouver Island to be the place they wished to retire to. These last few years were very calming and peaceful for him while at the same time, travelling internationally doing business in Germany, Switzerland, France, and across the USA.
Messages:
I just found out recently of Richard's passing. I did not know Richard for long (3 years) but from the little I saw, I definitely liked. He spoke his mind but was shrewd with his vocabulary. His industry needed more people like him not less.
We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dick's passing. We met in kindergarten in Sturgis in 1959, and were good friends until I moved to Winnipeg in 1970. Our paths would not cross again until 1997 in Kelowna, and that is when I truly got to know the real Dick Moritz. His sense of humour was amazing, and he was without a doubt the kindest and most generous person we know. We had a lot of great times that we will cherish forever, and our fondest memory was cruising down Lake Okanagan on Dick's SeaRay on a beautiful September night in 1998. The water was calm, and the full moon was glistening off the gentle wake as we returned to Kelowna from Penticton. And we were listening to some good old Crosy, Stills, Nash & Young. An incredible memory of an amazing friend. We'll miss you Dick...
Such a sad day. Have lost touch over the years with Richard such a awesome guy. Hockey, football, parties, farming with Dick was always so much fun. You are going to be missed Richard. My heart goes out to all the Moritz family. Wayne Kortmeyer
A true gentleman and straight talker in the frequently flawed mining IR industry. An example to many that alas too few emulated.. Sorely missed...
We were so blessed to welcome Richard into our family. My "wine windows" with Joan will not be the same without his presence. He filled the room with his charm and sense of humour. I so appreciated his wise counsel and his humorous take on difficult situations. Richard and Joan had such a wonderful life together. They were inspirational in the way they loved, respected and truly enjoyed each other. My favorite thing to watch them do was plan and create these amazing meals together. She did all the background magic while Richard manned the "que". He knew every inch of that barbecue and him flipping lemon pepper chicken wings will be a memory I always treasure! I recently showed up in time for some great beef ribs in the backyard. Sitting in his chair enjoying the end of a great dinner and the beginning of a great bottle of wine is how I will always picture Richard. He loved his good food, and we loved his company. For me - a bowl of popcorn and sake and wine- was all Richard and Joan and I needed to have a party. We never ran out of things to talk about, and Richard made me laugh and put up with my sarcastic ribbing. He always gave as good as he got..oh how I will miss that.... Good bye my friend, till we meet again,save me some popcorn, love,shelley
My friends Sylvia and Peter Melynk told me that he pass away. I knew Dick from the olds days in Calgary 1979. Last time I had seen him was at the Melynk's Wedding Oct. 1982. So, Sorry to hear he has passed away. My Condolences to his wife and children. Too young to go!! Rest in peace!!
I worked with Richard and remember his charts and graphs, explaining the ins and outs of investor relations and the general state of the world. He enjoyed sharing his views and did so in an entertaining manner. Richard you are missed. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Dear Joan, my deepest sympathies to you and the family for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Richard over the last several years. Richard's knowledge of the markets and strategies earned him the respect of investors, market-makers, and industry professionals. His optimistic attitude and ability to identify opportunities, even during market meltdowns, was incredible. Richard and I spent many hours on the road and I was honored to share time with him. He often spoke of you and his daughters during our travels...it was obvious he took great pride in those closest to him. Richard was a great friend and colleague...he will never be forgotten.
My condolences to the Moritz Family. I only new Richard a short time while he was at Gold Canyon Resources, but our discussions were always open and constructive. He was a very good person!
I am so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I've worked with Richard for the past 5 years and will certainly miss him. He always had a good sense of humour about travel, which isn't easy when you're on the road as often as he sometimes was! My condolences and best wishes to Joan, Meaghan, Lindsay and all his other family and friends~
Dear Joan: We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and send you our love during this very painful time.
Deepest condolences to you Joan and Richard,s family. He will certainly missed by a great many people. I will miss his barbecue skills, and his great company. When ever we visited John and Shelley, we considered it a bonus if you were there too. He will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Joan and Art.
Our sympathys to Brenda and girls, Ken and family and Ann. May the good memories carry you through this very difficult time.
I can't even imagine what it must feel like to lose such a helluva guy! Big warm hugs to Meagan & Lindsay. Prayers & Blessings to ALL of Dick's Family & Friends! Wish I could be there to hear the hogs roar & thunder celebrating the life of a great man on his way to Harley Heaven.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I knew Richard through his work in the mining industry Yukon Nevada Gold Corp. He will be missed.
Richard was both a good friend and a colleague. What a rare combination. We cemented our friendship on the road, and travelled together for years through Canada, the US and Europe marketing mining deals. I always felt good having him with me. For some reason, it made leaving home much more bearable knowing Richard was coming with me. He had a calming presence. Richard had both a big picture view of the world and an intimate knowledge of some rather esoteric topics. That made him interesting and entertaining to be around. We drank lots of wine, ate many steaks and had a lot of good laughs together. I will miss him. To his daughters, Meagan and Lindsay, and his partner, Joan, I send you my deepest sympathy for your loss. Mark O'Dea
Growing up in the same area creates a bond that can never be broken. We shared a lot of good times that will always be in my heart. I send my deepest condolences to all the Moritz family. Meagan ,Lindsay and Brenda my heart goes out to you. Joan my sympathy is with you in this difficult time.i can't be there on Friday but I will be there in spirit.Dick my dear friend you will always be remembered with a fond heart.
"How very softly you tiptoed into our world almost silently, only a moment you stayed. But what an imprint your footsteps have left upon our hearts." Deepest condolences to Richards' family and his partner Joan. Our hearts are with you especially Meagan and Lindsay who were their Fathers great joy. Our thought are with you on this saddest of days. Sincerely, Pauline Brown and family
RIP my friend...we had some good times along time ago. My heart goes out the Moritz family.
Too often we miss that last moment to meet or connect before we pass along, which is something never to forget. Of all that was special with knowing you, your laughter will always remain with me. My condolences to Joan and the Moritz Family.
I will miss our weekly conversations and the frequent bitch sessions while still maintaining optimal consumption levels. We created great things together in Kelowna, and was happy have a mutually beneficial bond, that went far beyond the traditional definition of friendship. As I reflect on all the great times we had, with Mike and Terry et al, with an equal portions of hilarity and embarrassment, I not only mourn you I will also regret the lost opportunity to create more memories. We have to go it alone, without you for now. However, we will endeavour to keep the high standards established in all the previous "safety" meetings. Life is short, but I am satisfied that we had the time allotted for our friendship, productive and interesting. I miss you already. Save me a seat and, if you can fit it, "throw me a bone" once in awhile.
On May 19th, 2016, Dick's elder brother, Ken (Kenneth Wayne) Moritz of Regina, died. With Ann's passing a couple of years ago, it means the end of this generation of the Moritz family. Too soon, all.