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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Rowntree, age 53, on Sunday April 9, 2023 at the Georges L.-Dumont Hospital after a quiet fight with Liver Cancer.
Born in Ottawa, he was the son of the late Patrick and the late Patricia (Lussier) Rowntree.
Richard leaves behind his loving wife, Samantha, who had the honour of being by his side for the last 25 years and their 2 cats Chewie & Vader who he adored.
Richard will be sadly missed by his sister, Kerry (Steve) Somerville of East Ferris, ON; his four brothers: Peter (Kimberly) Rowntree of Barrie, ON, Matthew (Siobhan) Rowntree of Cherry Hill, NJ, Christopher (Tina) Rowntree of Whitbourne, NL, and John (Marielle) Rowntree of Pembroke, ON; as well as his nieces and nephews: Tayler, Meghan, Madisson, Faith, Zoë, Ashton and Landon.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his uncle, Gordie Lussier of Ottawa.
Richard grew up in Thompson, Manitoba and Pembroke Ontario but spent his young adulthood in Ottawa. Richard studied Television Broadcasting at Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology. He worked for First Air in Ottawa and Iqaluit, for Nortel Networks Ottawa and for the last 20 years, as Operations Manager of Gaudet Chalets & Motel in Shediac.
Richard’s passion was the movies especially Star Wars and Science Fiction. He was also a collector of Star Wars and Film memorabilia and a valued member of the 501st Legion Star Wars costuming group. Richard appeared in the 2012 Canadian film “A Little Bit Zombie” as BBQ Bill, acting alongside his best friend Robert Maillet.
Spending time with Richard was almost a certain way to become lifelong friends. He had an uncanny way of making everyone feel at ease. He leaves behind countless valued friendships that meant the world to him.
As per his wishes, there will be no funeral service or visitation.
In his memory, consider calling up an old friend you haven’t seen in a while and going to a movie together & laughing over popcorn knowing that is what he would have wanted, wishing he was there with you.
Richard would want to say one last thing…
May the Force be with you…
The family invites you to sign an online book of condolences at:
www.funerairepassagefuneral.ca
Arrangements under the professional care of
Passage Funeral Co-operative and Cremation Centre
3754 Route 134, Shediac Bridge, NB E4R 1T3
Kasib and I will miss you Richard, you were always the epitome of kindness in every way. We are richer in our lives having the honour of calling you family. “Soon will I rest, yes, forever sleep. Earned it I have. Twilight is upon me, soon night must fall.” – Yoda
Love you forever & always Richard. You were a true friend that I will always miss. I will always think of you any time I see a red ribbon. My heart is with the love of your life Sam and all those that loved you that you so wanted to not leave. May the force be with you.
My deepest condolences for your loss. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Richard was a gentle soul who could always bring light to a dark room. He was a pillar role model to all and always ensured to reach out to those in need. He will be deeply missed by many… I am so thankful for all he has done for me and the boys over the years, even if it was just a friendly conversation or a smile. My condolences❤️
Sadly missed but never forgotten!
My condolences for the love of your life Samantha I know how much you love him..Hugss
Our sincere condolences at the passing of such a fine gentleman. Although we only met Richard once , it was evident what a loving and kind fellow he was and how much he loved you Sam. Sending our loving thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort .
On behalf of The Rowntree family in UK I send deepest sympathy and warmest good wishes. I loved Richard’s enthusiasm to know more about the family history and links with London and Yorkshire. I do hope his brothers, nephews and nieces will pick up where he left off.
Farewell young cousin; taken too soon
Samantha, Rowntree Family and Mary Gaudet – My most sincere condolences in the loss of loved one. May fond memories of happy times you shared together be a great comfort in coming days. He will live on in your heart forever. Debby Stuart (SBCC)
Richard had the biggest hugs and the most loving heart, he was a dear friend to us all and is so very missed. He and Rob had many adventures and it is so very hard to accept they won’t have any more, at least this go round. He will be in our thoughts often and I choose to imagine him flying some exciting intergalactic mission. Touch the stars friend.
My deepest condolences. I pray God keep you near.
Sincères condoléances à toute la famille nos pensées et nos prières sont avec vous en ces moments difficiles.
Sincères sympathies à toute la famille
My sympathies to the family and close ones..
It has been many years since I last spoke to Richard, but I can instantly hear his voice, see his sparkling eyes and feel his charismatic presence which dominated every encounter, to my great delight.
Running into Richard was always a delight — he was so eager to chat, laugh and ask lots of questions. Just the best kind of person.
Love to Matt and John and the family. My deepest condolences to all who are hurting, sad, numb or struggling.
D
Mary and family Sending sincere sympathy Treasure all of the good memories and may they give you comfort each day
Sincères sympathies Samantha et bon courage
Nos plus sincères sympathies à toi Samanta et à toute la famille
My deepest condolences to the family. My prayers are with
You.
My deepest sympathy to you Samantha and your family. He was taken from us much to soon, and we will miss him greatly. I will hold dear the memories of good times spent at Disneyworld, various comic cons, or just regular visits. May the force be with him (and you), always. ❤️
My thoughts are with you Samantha during these difficult times. I know how difficult it is to loose the love of your life. Every time I would meet Richard he made me feel like he was a friend. I know you will miss him so much. Hugs.
our deepest condolences to Samantha and both families
hugs !