Richard Spalton, born December 27, 1928, passed away peacefully in Vancouver at the age of 91 after a short but difficult recovery from hip surgery.
The beloved father, Opa and uncle is survived by his children Michael Adrian (49) and Catherine Joanne (47) and his sister Joy Dunn (88) and sister-in-law Diana Spalton (90) both of England, as well as daughter-in-law Hazel Spalton and son-in-law Robert Vrooman, grandchildren William Vrooman (13), Cate Vrooman (11), Erika Spalton (10), Tyler Spalton (8) and numerous nephews. Richard was predeceased by his brother David Spalton and separated wife Betty Spalton (Kerr).
Richard, born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England, grew up in Southport, Lancashire the eldest brother of sister, Joy (Dunn) and brother David. Always the adventurous soul, as a young man, he sailed as the First Officer in the merchant navy to Canada.
He lived for a short time in Toronto before moving West, settling in the Quesnel area. He was trained as a land surveyor, and had also attended Vancouver Theology College, where he studied divinity.
Always hungry for adventure, Richard moved the family to the Comox Valley in 1978. He built a land surveying company which served the region for over 40 years. In the Valley, Richard served as an active church member of St. Peter's Anglican Church, a Scout Leader and a Rotarian. Richard was an avid outdoorsman, sailor and man of great faith. He completed a liberal arts degree at VIU in 1999. He moved to the lower mainland in 2009 to be closer to his children and grandchildren.
Richard was an Englishman but was known to speak French and Spanish. Later in life, he was referred to as Richard (French pronunciation). Those who knew him, knew of his tremendous love of the arts and sense of humour.
A short memorial will be held at St. John's the Divine in Courtenay, BC on November 30, 2019 at 2pm. All are welcome.