James “Jim” Ewan Richards passed away peacefully on June 16, 2017 at Regina. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Elizabeth Richards; son, Darrell Richards; granddaughter, Leah Richards; sister, Muriel Dodd; sister- in-law, Rhoda Richards; brothers- in-law, Bill Dodd and Nick McCuaig. James (Jim) Ewan Richards was born in Lewvan, SK on Dec. 10, 1926. Growing up with a father who was a teacher meant summers could be enjoyed at their cabin at White Bear Lake. The depression years were hard and there were many moves to other schools. As a teenager various jobs from shoveling coal to farm work started his path in life that took him many places where he gained many skills and knowledge. After completing high school he joined the Army in February 1945. When the war ended he attended Normal School and was sent out to teach within six weeks. This took him to many one room schools in the southwest of the province, his most memorable being one long cold winter when provisions were very sparse. Two years of teaching and he was off to Moose Jaw learning cement work; then tried office work for Canada Packers. His most enjoyable job came next at the corrections center (aka “Boy’s School”) in Regina. A short time later he graduated as a Psychiatric Nurse and worked at the Weyburn Mental Hospital for five years. Here he met Marjorie and were married November 29, 1952. Three children were born to this union, Darrell, Debbie and Rod. Jim moved from nursing into office work at the hospital while raising his family in the nearby town of Yellow Grass. In 1966 the family relocated to Melfort, where he became a part of Healthcare Administration and stayed until retirement; firstly at the Melfort Hospital and lastly at the newly formed Melfort Home Care. But of course, not one to sit idle, upon retirement he challenged himself with his new career of making onion rings at A&W; in his words “just so he had something to do”. While health permitted they also enjoyed traveling across Canada and the transportation method preferred was first and foremost by rail; as Jim was a walking, talking CPR-CN Rail expert. Learning to play the violin at a young age, he liked to share his talent with any child who would listen or pretend to want to learn. A hobby he also liked was refinishing old furniture and some of his pieces still remain with family. Bridge was his passion and he was always a willing partner. Throughout the Melfort years he was active with the NDP, Melfort Cooperative Association, Alzheimer Society and was a member of the Melfort Royal Canadian Legion. Also being active with tutoring English he formed many lasting friendships. His genuine love and heart felt interest was always in his family. He was so proud of each of his children and every grandchild and great grandchild. Whether it was playing Fox and Goose at Christmas, playing catch, checkers, fishing or painting finger nails, there was always a story to be told, some knowledge to be shared or sayings to be passed on that have stayed with them all. Jim and Marj’s retirement move back to Weyburn in 2012 found him once again involved with the Weyburn Royal Canadian Legion. They enjoyed four wonderful years at Liberty Manor in Weyburn. Two recent special family occasions were his 60th anniversary celebrated at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina and his 90th shared birthday celebration with his wife Marjorie. A recent move for Jim and Marj in March of 2017 to College Park II in Regina, is where he remained until his passing. A good man, a friend to all. Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marjorie Richards of Regina; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Richards of Ottawa, ON and her children, Simon and Lauren; daughter, Debbie (Barry) Praski of Gronlid, SK and their children, Wesley Praski, Erin (Michael) Holodniuk and children, Jacey and Ayden and Adam Praski; son, Rod (Trudy) Richards and their children, Ryley (Jen) Richards and children, Elle, Boe, Brandt; Lindsey (Cody) Nichol and children, Jax and Kane; brother, Wallace Richards; sister, Evelyn McCuaig; sisters-in-law, Ruby Wilke and Dorothy Hannah as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A Memorial Service was held Saturday, June 24, at 2:00 p.m. from Grace United Church, Weyburn, with Reverend M. Barnabas officiating. A Private Family Interment took place at Yellow Grass Cemetery. Donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion or the Weyburn Workin’ Shop. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
