Richard McCULLAGH

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McCULLAGH: On Monday, March 20, 2017, Richard Willard McCullagh passed away peacefully with his wife Shirley and family at his side. He is survived by his son Kurt (Catherine), Brennan and Kieran; daughter Jaylin (Dan) Cormier, Jaydan and Braydan; son Tim (Arin), Anabel and Abigail; step-daughter Natalie (Jason) Dueck, Dara, Dayvia (fiancé Armando), Kai, Zephan, Ransom, Ezri, Paxton and Ronan; step-son Troy (Andrea) Steingard, Austin and Annika; sister Avril (Jamie) and niece Janel (Kyle). He was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Vivian and his brother Franklin. Richard was born in Killarney in 1942 and lived in Desford and Boissevain as a young boy. As well as attending school, he kept busy helping local farmers and his parents with their general store. In grade 7 he moved to Brandon with his family and lived there until his mid 20’s. He then purchased an Esso franchise in Virden and spent a number of years running the service station, earning his hours to become a mechanic. When the opportunity arose to purchase the Alexandra Hotel he saw potential and switched into the hotel business. After 10 years or so he got the itch to start over again so he bought a Texaco service station in Gladstone. A few years later he closed up shop and headed south with a tow truck, starting RWM Towing with Shirley. They built a very successful towing business in Brandon. Richard was a member of many organizations, devoting his time and energy to the Masons, Shriner’s, Irish Club, the Erickson and Virden Flying Clubs, the Austin Threshermen’s Reunion Committee, the Brandon Car Club and the Aero Modellers of Manitoba. He was especially proud to be a part of the Shriner’s Car Patrol. Besides his family and friends, Richard loved anything with a motor: snowmobiles, boats, quads, gators, lawnmowers, tractors, trucks, and El Caminos. He started flying in his 30’s and took to the skies as often as possible. He was constantly drawn back to farming, helping friends part time when he could. Richard enjoyed working outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting and spending time at the lake with Shirley and their pets. He always had a dog near him; Mack was an extra special comfort to him when Dad’s health was declining. He always found time to drive and took trips from coast to coast and from Alaska to Mexico. A highlight for Richard was to move back to the country a few years before retirement. He and Shirley bought the Douglas property, where he was always cutting grass, chopping wood, tinkering with something or inside putting another log on the fire. Richard was quite a social fellow and was very proud of his Irish heritage. He was ready to celebrate with friends and family for any reason: birthdays, reunions, socials, you name it, Richard and Shirley would be there. They would drive many miles to visit with friends and family. Although Dad led a full life his time was cut short with vascular dementia. He was adamant that there were still things that he wanted to do, but eventually he moved into the Fairview Personal Care Home. He received amazing support and assistance from a wonderful group of people. The Ceremony to Celebrate Richard's Life will take place at Memories Chapel, 330 18th Street North, on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Ron Pierce officiating. A reception will follow at Memories Chapel. Donations in memory of Richard may be made to the Alzheimer Society, Unit 4B-457 9th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 1K2 or a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 25, 2017