Richard “Rick” Joseph Blinn

We are heartbroken to announce the peaceful passing of Richard “Rick” Joseph Blinn on Saturday, July 31, 2021. He was born on January 15, 1943 in St. Bernard, Nova Scotia.

In his early years, his interests included auxiliary service for the City of Toronto Police Force, being a member of the gun club, taking karate classes and jogging faithfully every day.

His career with Bell Canada lasted almost 32 years. He was very proud of his 18 month stint with the company in Saudi Arabia. He had a strong work ethic and continued working past his retirement. He always said he would work til he died.

Rick married Debbie on April 1, 1993 (yep April Fool’s Day, no joke) in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Then in their 17th year, they had Elvis renew their vows in Las Vegas. He and Debbie travelled across Canada and the U.K. and went to numerous concerts at the auditorium. His favourite times were spent vacationing with his family on P.E.I. and his successful hunting and fishing trips at Obonga Lake at his in-laws camp. Many stories came from those trips.

To his family, he was a superhero. He had health issues in the later years and never complained. Starting in 2014 with open heart surgery, 2015 with 2 strokes that gave him left neglect, 2019 with 2 strokes that left him with vision loss. And then dementia came. He just kept going and had a strong desire to live with a positive attitude. “You and me against the world” were his and Debbie’s favourite saying as they faced the challenges of his health.

Rick is survived by his loving and devoted wife Debbie and lovingly remembered by his children Shannon (Simon) and Cortney (Jason); granddaughters Josephine, Ophelia and Paige; and grandson Lachlan. He is also survived by his sisters Yvonne (Raymond), Ginette (Alain) and Joanne (Greg); in-laws Vera and Gary Waugh; brother-in-law Chad Waugh; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and his canine daughter, Maggie May.

He was predeceased by his parents Theresa and Delile and sister and brother-in-law Emma and Gustave.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to WESTFORT FUNERAL CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Luke Combs sings

“And I know there’ll be that moment

The good Lord calls one of us home and

One won’t have the other by their side

But heaven knows that that won’t last too long

Maybe some things last forever after all.”


Love you Babe - Debbie


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