Richard Stogre, 69, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Richard was born in Vancouver on September 9, 1953, to Verna and Andrew Stogre, and was brother to his elder sister, Linda, and younger sister, Holly.
As a child, Richard explored and lived throughout BC with his family. In 1977, he would come to meet his beloved wife, Catherine Stogre (née Youden). His love for building led him to pursue training in civil engineering technology at the University of the Okanagan, which helped him find a career in civil service when he relocated to Cathy's idyllic west coast hometown of Powell River. Here Richard found his true home and a fabric of family (Hazel, Gerry, Carol, Don, Laurie, Dave, and children) and many close friends that he would cherish throughout his life.
After marriage, Richard and Cathy built a happy life together, which included two loving daughters, Angela and Amanda, a beautiful family home that Richard hand-built, and a fruitful career managing some of Powell River's crucial civil engineering projects. Richard would eventually become "Papa" to five devoted grandchildren, Elizabeth, Marcus, Thad, Quinn, and Maya, who loved his patience, kindness, good humour, enthusiasm for the outdoors and insatiable willingness to find time for his family and friends.
Those who were lucky enough to know Richard will remember how he touched everyone with his kind heart, bright smile, inquisitive mind, hearty laugh and generous spirit. Richard's unique and wonderful memory will be adored by all who knew him.
Raise a glass of hoppy West Coast IPA or a bold BC red in remembrance of Richard's life well lived and an impact that will echo on in the generations he leaves behind; it's what Richard would have wanted.
A casual celebration of Richard's life was hosted at Townsite Brewing, Powell River, on Sunday, August 27.
