1931 – 2017

It is with heavy hearts we said our final “good-bye’s” to John Richard “Dick” McMaster who on January 15th 2017, was released from the constraints imposed on him by Alzheimers. He passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends at the Gemstone Care Centre.

Dick was born August 2nd, 1931 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and moved to Burnaby, B.C. in 1944 where he graduated from Burnaby South High School in 1949. His mission as an educator began in 1950 at a three room school in Proctor, B.C. He taught and administered over numerous schools in Burns Lake Burnaby, and Kamloops. He formally retired from teaching as the Principal of Rayleigh Elementary near Kamloops in 1987. He never did retire from educating those around him.

He and his family acquired Surrey Lake Fishing Resort in 1971 where life’s teachings really took place. All of his children and numerous extended family and friends were schooled by the Surrey Lake experience. In the twenty years of ownership, he taught, mentored, entertained, and shared his life with all those that visited. His family grew up knowing what hard work and wholesome living was all about.

He was one of the founding members of the British Columbia Fishing Camp Operators Association where he advocated for tourism and land management in the Province. He was a regional participant for Expo 86 in Vancouver.

In 2011 he was the honoree for the Alzheimer’s Walk in Kamloops where his family rallied around him to raise significant funds and awareness that has continued annually. Once diagnosed, he never missed an opportunity to participate in helping to find a cure including volunteering in experimental drug trials. In 2012 he was awarded with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contribution to Canada.

Dick and Gwen were fortunate to travel to many corners of the globe gathering many great memories along the way.

He is predeceased by his two sisters and brother.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Gwen, his 5 children, Doug (Nadene), Ron (Edwina), Greg (Barbara), Kathleen (Bruce) and D’Arcy (Christa), their respective families, 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

His family would like to thank the care workers from the Ponderosa Day Care Centre and the Brocklehurst Gemstone Care Centre for their continued support and affection shown.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at Cottonwood Manor, 730 Cottonwood Avenue, Kamloops, B.C. on January 23, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.myalternatives.ca

• Date : 2017-01-15
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.