Richard Hand

Mr. Richard George Hand age 95 years of Thunder Bay passed away peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital on Monday, August 28th, 2017. 

Richard was born in Ouimet on July 17th, 1922. He worked at Thomas Falls prior to his enlistment in November 1941. He served in the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders as Lance Corporal during WWII, training in Winnipeg and England. He had seen active duty in 1943 in France and Germany. Richard was wounded in Cannes, France during the war and hospitalized in England and Winnipeg with an Honourable Discharge in 1944.

Richard (Dick) joined the Port Arthur Fire Department on November 1, 1948. He became a captain, retiring from the Thunder Bay Fire Department in 1986 after 38 years of service. 

Dick was an avid curler for many years at the Port Arthur Curling Club. Richard was a proud member of the Christ Lutheran Church and often spoke of the early years helping to build the church. 

Richard is survived by his children – Clifford (Winnie) Hand; Susan Gacki; Janet Krivak; Debbie (Rob) Dowswell & Family; Wayne (Susan) Buckle & Family; grandchildren – Clinton Hand; Sebastion Gacki. Eunice Johnson was a very special friend and confidant whom Richard truly valued. Also survived by siblings Irene; Gerald; Geraldine; Garnet; Vera; Russell and Connie as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives in Canada and the USA . 

Richard was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Irene (Davis); his first wife Violet (Ulves); his grandson Andrew Richard Krivak, siblings Norman Gregory; James Hand; Samuel Hand; Gertrude (Frost) Hand; Clarence Hand and by his parents Sarah Fern (Gregory) and George Hand. 

As per Richard’s wishes cremation has taken place. Funeral services for the late Richard Hand will be held at 11:00 a.m on Friday, September 8th, 2017 in the Christ Lutheran Church, 47 Walkover Street, officiated by Pastor Brian Falkenholt. Interment of the Ashes will be attended by immediate family at a later date in Rainy River. As expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Canadian Cancer Society, Christ Lutheran Church or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.