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RICHARD HENRY KLASSEN
Date of Passing: Mar 06, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRICHARD HENRY KLASSEN 1940-2012 With sadness we announce the peaceful passing on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 of our beloved husband, father and grandfather Richard. Richard was predeceased by his father Peter (Tiny) Klassen and mother Elizabeth Klassen and parents-in-law Felix and Florence Paulson. Besides his wife Barb of 45 years, Richard is survived by son Tim of Vancouver, daughters Angy, Becky Burnett (Clint). Grandchildren, Lexen and Kolton, Cassidy, Alexander and Mackenzie. Sisters, Helen Epp (Harry), Evelyn Hildebrand, brother's, Walter Klassen (Donna), Cliff Klassen (Arlene), Sisters-in-law, Emily Gervais (Maurice), Lila Smith, Rita Clark, brothers-in-law, Gerald Paulson, Chester Clark and many cousins, nephews and nieces on both sides . He was blessed to have grown up in a happy loving family in Winkler, Manitoba. His childhood included many fun times with siblings and extended family members. After high school, Richard moved to Winnipeg and worked for a brief time at Monarch Wear, before taking a Unit Assistant course at Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre. He was a devoted health care worker at Health Sciences Centre for 41 years (most of those in H7- ICU), retiring in 2002. Richard loved his job and blessed many people by his gentle loving care. He valued being part of the health care team and the friendships he had made through the years. A highlight for him for many years was being the official Christmas Tea Greeter. One of the greatest benefits to working at Health Sciences Centre, however, was meeting Barb the love of his life in 1965. Richard took great pride and joy in his family. He was an amazing husband, dad, and grandpa. He was such a gift to us all. He was a loving man of steadfast faith and integrity, always there for us with a word of gentle encouragement. He always wanted to be a part of both important and simple experiences of each of our lives. He lived an exemplary life and strived daily to be the committed, loving, gentle, and kind individual that he was. He quickly made friends wherever he went. All of his family and friends were very important to him. He was ready to drop whatever he was doing to spend time with them. He was non-materialistic; people were what mattered to him. As a child he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. In1965 he made a commitment to live his life fully for God and was baptized at St. James Gospel Chapel. Since 1978 he has been an involved member of Assiniboia-Charleswood Community Church (ACC) up to the time of his passing. He joyfully served as an active member of the Gideon's International of Canada for the past 22 years. Special thanks to the staff at the Pacemaker and Heart Failure Clinics and the Cardiac Ward at St. Boniface Hospital for their excellent care. We are equally grateful for all of those who cared for, prayed, visited, emailed, and called in these past difficult months, he was encouraged, comforted, and blessed by each of you. A Sharing Memories and viewing will be held at ACC church, 760 Charleswood Road, on Sunday, March 11, 2012 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at ACC church, 760 Charleswood Road, on Monday, March 12, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with viewing prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Following a fellowship lunch at ACC, internment will take place at Balsam Bay Cemetery, Balsam Bay, MB. If so desired, donations may be made in Richard's memory to any of the following: Gideon's (www.gideons.ca); Pathway Camp Ministries (www.icmsgo.com); Finding Freedom (info@findingfreedom.ca); or Faith Bible Camp (www.faithbiblecamp.org). Arrangements by Ronald Moffit Memorial Services, (204)856-34878
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2012
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Richard was always the first smiling face I would see at ACC on Sunday morning. His smile and friendly greeting always made me feel quite at home. He was a very kind and special person and he will be missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Maggie Tagliaferri (friend) on: Apr 03, 2012
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I have just learned of Richard's death, and I feel very saddened. He was surely one of the most kind, sincere and compassionate people I have known. I feel so privileged to have worked along side him in ICU! And it didn't stop there, as Richard always made you feel like the most important person in the world, even meeting him many years after his retirement. He spoke so highly of his family!! God Bless, and may your beautiful memories keep you strong! - Posted by: Karen Wachnian () on: Mar 21, 2012
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Thoughts and prayers to Barb and family. I was very saddened to see Richard had passed. I always enjoyed out chats when he and Barb came into the bookstore. He was a very gentle and entertaining man to talk with. - Posted by: Brad () on: Mar 17, 2012
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I was very sad to learn of Richard's passing. I worked with Richard for many years on H7 at HSC. I remember as I am sure a generation of ICU nurses also remember, the impact of Richard's cheerful and compassionate presence in the unit. He proudly wore a "I love my job" pin on his shirt and he truly did, and it showed in the dedicated performance of his duties and the gentle, and kind care he provided to the patients and their families. The entire ICU team enjoyed working with and had tremendous respect for Richard. When he retired, he was missed not only by us on H7 but also by a large number of HSC staff who he had interacted with and be-friended through the years. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Sincerely, Sheila Bodnar - Posted by: Sheila Bodnar (Friend and colleague) on: Mar 13, 2012
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What can I say to add to all the moving tributes that were given at Richard's celebration service today? He was a friend to all and surely he has gone on to his "higher reward" where he has a new heart. I worked across the hallway from Richard in SICU, but everyone knew Richard's kind, gentle and compassionate spirit. He was a unit assistant like no other, and loved to tell the stories of the early days of ICU when it was his responsibility to monitor and record certain patient functions that is now in the nurses domain. His work ethic was unparalleled and there will never be another Richard. He served with humility and joy, not expecting anything in return. I can almost hear Jesus saying to him "well done, good and faithful servant." - Posted by: Bev Kroeker (Colleague) on: Mar 12, 2012
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We shared many happy times with Rich and Barb over the years before we moved away from the Winnipeg area. We were saddened to learn of Rich's passing but comforted in knowing that he is at 'home' with the Lord. Rich always gave the Lord the pre-eminent place in his life. He loved Barb and his family. Our lives were enriched because our paths crossed. We look forward to spending an eternity with Rich and those of like faith. Garry & Linda - Posted by: Linda & Garry Corbett (Friends) on: Mar 12, 2012
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Please accept my condolences for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Richard on H7 at HSC, I will never forget his kindness and work ethic, he treated everyone with respect. Rest In Peace Richard. He will be missed. Mary Lee Levins Toronto - Posted by: Mary Lee Levins (Friend and colleague from HSC.) on: Mar 12, 2012
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I was very sad to hear of Richard's passing. I had the good fortune of working with Richard in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Health Sciences Centre. I worked there as a Respiratory Therapist and was greeted many days by Richard as I entered the unit to start my shift. His warm and friendly smile just seemd to make the day a little bit brighter. Even when he retired, he served the hospital by continuing to host the annual Christmas tea. He may be gone from us but his memories will live on. He will be missed but we are all richer for having had Richard in our lives. My thoughts are with his family and friends and co-workers. Sincerely, Tracy Simcoe - Posted by: Tracy Simcoe (Co-worker of Richard's at HSC -H7 ICU) on: Mar 12, 2012
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What a kind and gentle man. Thoughts and prayers to his family. God Bless you Richard. - Posted by: Bill and Cyndi Tibbs (Church friend) on: Mar 11, 2012
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Barb and family. I have had the privilege to know Richard since the moment he came to work on H7-ICU. His gentle spirit, the way he cared for his patients and the way he taught/mentored ICU nurses was so appreciated. He could guide and show his colleagues the 'best way of doing things' in such a matter-of-fact, non assuming way. He was the role model of excellence for many of us. When he retired, there was such a void but now...his dear Lord has taken him to guide and teach on another plane. He will show them what it means to be a true angel! Bless him and bless you all. His always friend, Pegs. - Posted by: Peg HOLT (Friend and colleague) on: Mar 11, 2012