March 30, 1933 - March 18, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
It is with profound sadness that we as family announce our Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather passed away on March 18, 2022 after a two month struggle with infection related to his Diabetes and other health issues.
He leaves to mourn his passing his Beloved wife of 61 years Pat, his daughter Maria (he was always there for me), son Tony (Edith) (he was my Hero and my best friend), grandchildren Jennifer (Scott), Justin (Amy), Taylor (Scott), Jesse (Kailee) and great grandchildren Astrid, Esther and Zephyr.
Rick was born in St. Josephs Hospital in Victoria on March 30, 1933 to Dorothy and Leonard Soares. Leonard passed away when Rick was four years old (1937). His mother Dorothy remarried in 1939 to Vinton Jenks. The next 10 years were very difficult as they moved from place to place in BC. Very unhappy years for Dorothy and the children and there were now four children to house and feed. When Dorothy divorced Vinton she and the children came back to Vancouver Island and struggled to make ends meet. Woman were not often hired for any work if they had children.
At age 15-16 Rick got a job in Victoria at an Auto Parts store doing delivery. He was promoted to counter sales and had the opportunity to watch the machinists at work. At age 23 he was promoted to Manager of the Duncan store. He went back to Victoria for more training and then back to managing the Duncan branch again. At 38 years of age with a wife and two children he ventured into opening his own business -Jenks Automotive Ltd. Started small and eventually built his own new store and once his business was growing he enlarged the building and opened the machine shop.
Now not only did he manage the business, he did the ordering of inventory, worked the counter, mixed the paint and at times ran the machine shop. He was able to do that as he always remembered what the machinists from years before had done.
Rick sold the business after 15 years and semi-retired. He kept busy with two small business ventures but at age 53 he took up bike riding again and that became his focus. He enjoyed the exercise, the friendships of other riders and took part in many Seniors games around BC. The most challenging ride he did was a 1220 mile (1960 KM) ride to Alberta and back with a seniors group. His total riding miles over the years was the same distance as twice around the earth.
Ricks' other joy was being on the water in our first boat Gitane and then loved being on Sum-Toi. We spent many hours cruising around the Gulf Islands and beyond. Our children often joined us and then the grandchildren loved being with us on Sum-Toi cruising or swimming. Wonderful memories.
Some health issues over the last few years meant Rick had many hospital visits. He was admitted to CDH in mid January but unfortunately his health declined and he just couldn't stay with us any longer. We will miss his Love and his Humour but most of all we will miss the man we all Loved.
H.W. Wallace looked after the cremation and were very kind and helpful as they led us through the decisions we were making.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to CDH or a charity of your choice. Rick has been cremated as were his wishes and our family has had a private Memorial to honour him.
On-line condolences may be made at www.hwwallace.com.
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
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