Obituary of Richard Lincoln Small

RICHARD LINCOLN SMALL Richard died on Friday, July 31, 2009 at the Veterans Unit, Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, Regina. He was born on October 8, 1916 in Dauphin, Manitoba, but grew up in Wynyard, Saskatchewan and Victoria, British Columbia. He was the youngest of four children, two older brothers George and Robert, and one sister Lois. All predeceased. He was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor on April 26, 1978. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Dick) Nellis of Balfour, BC. He is also survived by his son, Richard (Margaret Upham) of Saskatoon, SK. He is also survived by four grandchildren, John of Balfour, BC and Kristine of Vancouver, BC and Shane and Sarah of Saskatoon, SK. He was a rear tail gunner officer on Halifax bombers with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. His plane was shot down in 1943 and he spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war. Because he survived a crippled plane by parachute, he was presented with his caterpillar pin. Following the war, he was employed by Stanley Brock Ltd., as the manager of the Saskatchewan branch and eventually became a Director of the company. He took great pride in his ability to sell laundry equipment and cleaning supplies to hospitals, nursing homes, and dry-cleaning plants in the province of Saskatchewan. He eventually went into business for himself with his wife, Eleanor, as not only his secretary, but his right hand woman. He loved reading, especially poetry by well known poets and the biographies of famous persons. He also enjoyed gardening, once winning an award for his gladioli. There will be a short private Memorial Service for immediate family and close personal friends at the chapel at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre at a future time with subsequent interment in the Field of Honor (for our war veterans) at Riverside Memorial Park. No flowers by request of the family. Friends so wishing may make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2R3, in Richards memory. The family would also like to acknowledge the wonderful care that was given to our father by the nursing staff and Dr. Newton during our fathers stay at Wascana Unit 3-5. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com