Former Regional Councillor for the Town of Caledon
with a 40 year career in government and social services
After a brief illness, at Brampton Civic Hospital, on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, Richard, age 71 years, beloved husband of Ruth (Watson). Loving father of Kate and her husband Edgar. Cherished grandfather of Oskar, Leo and Orla. Dear brother of Don and his wife Carole.
A public celebration of Richard’s life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Egan Funeral Home, Bolton (905-857-2213).
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Headwaters Health Care Centre Emergency Department, 100 Rolling Hills Drive, Orangeville L9W 4X9.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Carol Good & Doug Prince
Dear Ruth and family
So sorry to hear the sad news about Richard’s death. His wit and wisdom will be deeply missed. We offer our sympathy and support.
love & hugs,
Carol & Doug
Dave Vanstone
Our condolences.
Richard was very much a community man and did so much for Caledon. A true leader in our community who will be missed!
Dave Vanstone and Family
Kay Cook
Ruth & Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love Kay Cook
Don Lester
Irma Proctor
Dear Ruth,
So sorry to hear that Richard has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Sincerely,
Irma Proctor
Kathy Farrelly and Ross Farrelly
We are saddened with the passing of Richard. He will be missed by his family, friends and the community. Richard served Caledon with expertise, knowledge and with dignity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Warren and Cheryl May
We are thinking of you and your family as you celebrate Richard’s remarkable life and the memories you shared.
We always enjoyed his historical stories of Bolton and Palgrave.
Warren and Cheryl
Pat Moody
Ruth sorry for the loss of a yourr husband . He will be missed by many.
Fay McCrea
Dear Ruthe and family:
What a terrible loss for you and your family as well as our wonderful community of Caledon. Richard was an integral part of our council both with Albion Township and the Town of Caledon and Region of Peel. He has taken a great deal of history with him and he will be sorely missed by many people.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Fay and Bill McCrea
Lorraine and Harvey Witty
Dear Ruthe and family,
Our sincere condonences in your loss. We have many memories of Richard and your contritbutions to our community.
Richard will be missed and his efforts to better our life in the community will always be remembered thankfully..
Harvey and Lorraine Witty and family
Christine (Leavens) and Ken Graham
To Ruth, Don and Carole, Katie and family,
We were both shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Richard – someone who has spent a lifetime trying to improve Caledon. We have memories going back to his high school days, to his business years, and to his most prolific years in government.
Someone once said to me, ” It seems that Richard’s picture is in the newspaper at least three times a week.” Richard and Ruth were proudest talking about their talented daughter Katie or their grandchildren. We will miss our many times together just talking about everything. Our hearts go out to you.
Christine (Leavens) and Ken Graham
Garry Paget
Ruthe and family,
You are in my thoughts as I share your loss. Richard was always ready to help out and never backed down from a challenge.
He’ll be remembered by many.
Garry
Marolyn and John Morrison
Ruthe and Family
John and I were very sorry to hear the news of Richard’s passing. He served his community well with great distinction and he will be missed in the community of Caledon. We are out of the country until the end of April and would appreciate being advised of the celebration of Richard’s life.
John and Fi Ferraro
Dear Ruth and family,
We were so sadden to hear of Richard’s passing. We wish you all strength, courage and peace during this difficult time.
Marg Pilson
Ruthe and Family
So sorry to hear about Richards’ passing.You will treasure your good memories, and appreciate that he was a REAL community minded politican who truly cared about his Caledon. God Bless.
Marg
Marie Bannister
Dear Ruthe
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. God Bless.
Marie Bannister
Larry & Jacquie
We want to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to all family members and friends who are grieving at this time. Please find comfort in what it says at John 5:28&29 about the resurrection that will happen soon, a time when sickness and disease will be a thing of the past. Isaiah 33:24, Job 14:14, 15. May these promises bring you comfort.
Roy and Edna Wright
Ruthe-
Sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. A husband; Father
and Grandfather. Remember all the good family times
all together.
Roy and Edna Wright.
Chris and Barb Zeagman
Dear Ruth and family…..Very sad to hear of Richards passing…he was a good person and we shall miss him. A great loss…..Chris and Barb…
john and verna traynor
our condolences
Carolyn Harding
Ruth, I was saddened to learn of Richard’s death on April 1st. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Katie and family. This is a difficult time. Cherish the memories.
Joe and Jean Van Tichelen
So sorry to hear of Richard passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this time.
He will be missed by many. RIP Richard.
Doris Porter
Dear Ruthe:
I have known Richard since he arrived in Bolton at the age of 9 and you as a couple ever since your wedding. It is hard to imagine a Bolton without Richard in it! My heart goes out to you and your family.
Becky Smith
Dear Ruthe:
So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing, He will be missed, My sincere condolences go out to you and the family.
Becky
Wayne and Ruth Dobson
Dear Ruthe, Kate and family:
We send our deepest sympathy to you in the passing of Richard. We mourn the loss of a dear friend and consider it a privilege to have known him for over 47 years.
Paul Burnes
Ruth and Family,
I am sorry to hear about Richard’s passing.
Sincerely,
Paul Burnes
Pat Flaxman
Ruthe and family, I am so very sad to hear of Richard’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Kate at this devastating time. He loved you both so much and that was always very evident. Caledon has lost a favourite son. R.I.P. Richard
Dan O'Reilly
Dear Ruth and family, please accept my deepest sympathies on Richard’s passing. I will always remember and appreciate the help he provided on a number of community issues in my area.
Dawn Moffatt-Ironside
Dear Ruthe and Katie: I have known Richard for 40 years – from my earliest days at the old Caledon offices, through my employment with the Town of Caledon as Recycling Co-ordinator. He was such a force – witty, kind, astute, very politically savy and an all-round great guy. It seems unfathomable to me that he is gone, but I will certainly treasure his memory. Please accept my profound sympathy. from Thunder Bay.
Kate Stokes
Ruth and family,
What an absolute shock to hear of Richard’s passing. Our families(Ed & Rose O’Donnell & Brian & Kate Stokes) have known Richard for a number of years and spoke of his impact & devotion to the Caledon area. If we had a concern with anything we would contact Richard and we knew our concerns were in good hands. What a shock to hear this sad news. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family during this sad time. Richard will be greatly missed.
Kate Stokes
Moira Chevalier
Ruthe, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Stan &Anne Shabason
Ruth and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Richard’s deep intellect & passion for the Town will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him well.
Stan & Anne Shabason
Ronald and Hilda Pincoe
Ruth and family, and Don and Carole,
We were deeply saddened to hear about Richard’s death.
Our memories of Richard go back a long way. To the days of Whitehead Motors. Please know that our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ron and Hilda
Merv and Cathy
Ruthe and Kate and family
We are so sorry to hear of Richard passing.
Our prayers are with you all.
Blessings and Deepest Sympathy to you and the family
Merv and Cathy
Kathryn Hawke
My dearest Ruthe, thinking of you at this difficult time and remembering your Richard with fondness. Much Love to you, Kate and the entire family – he was such a great man, who will definitely be missed by the entire community. God Bless!
The Hawke family.
Stan & Gillian Bachelder
Dear Ruth & Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Richards passing, he will be missed by many.
Please know our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time .
Shalom/Peace
Stan & Gillian
Connie Vanstone
Ruth and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Richards passing. Keep your memories close to your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Connie Vanstone
Rita Fabiano
I was very sorry to hear of Richards passing.May he rest in peace, and may God give you and your family the strength to go forward.
John Byrne
Ruthe and family;
Richard and I were in the same class for grades 11 and 12 at Central Peel. Even back then he had a keen interest in politics. He always put his best effort towards the community. He will be missed.
Murray and Lee Peters
We would like to add our condolences too you, Ruth,and your family . Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. God be with you.
Val Grogan
Ruth and family,
What a shock to hear of Richard’s passing. His presence in the town
of Caledon will be missed, even though he had retired from office.
Of course his presence in your lives will be missed much more.
Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Val Grogan & family
Duffern-Caledon Provincial and Federal Liberal Associations
On behalf of Dufferin-Caledon Provincial and Federal Riding Associations
Our sadness is profound over the passing of one of our community’s most senior statesmen.
Richard Whitehead was a quiet but confident leader; the keeper of great knowledge and wisdom. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked.
He was a proud liberal with great sensibilities.
He never let his politics interfere with what he knew was in the best interest of the people he served.
His experience, knowledge and wisdom is a huge loss for Caledon and for all of us who considered him a mentor and a friend.
To say we will miss his positivity, presence and influence is an understatement.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Whitehead family and we thank them for generously sharing him with us during his many years of dedicated service.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Richard’s family.
Lori Holloway
Rick Dewsbury
Dufferin-Caledon Provincial and Federal Riding Associations
Sam Jones
Dear Ruthe and family,
So sorry to hear about Richard’s passing! I always looked forward to budget presentations during my tenure as Treasurer of Caledon and his interesting questions!
My deepest sympathy at this time.
Sam Jones
dorothy switzer
Dear Ruth
We were so sorry to hear of Richard’s death.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Jack and Dorothy Switzer
(Mono Mills United Church)
James Healey
Ruth and family:Sorry to read of Richards passing.
He always tried to do what was best for Bolton, Albion, Peel County , the Region of Peel and its residents.
James Healey
George & Toula Papadeas
Our deepest condolences to Ruthe and the entire family from the entire Babalou’s family. I will miss our “little”political discussions whenever Richard would come in for a meal. He also served as our councillor for many years and we appreciated all that he attempted to do and his accomplishments serving those he represented.
Many his memory be eternal and may he rest in peace!
George
Maureen Webster
Saddened and shocked to hear of Richards untimely passing. I have many fond memories of my time working with Caledon Council and my thoughts are with you Ruthe and your daughter at this difficult time. Maureen
Clarence & Gwen Pinkney
Ruthe & Family:
We wish to extend our sympathy to you during your time of sorrow. Our thoughts are with you.
Your friends at the Caledon Agricultural Society.
Clarence & Gwen
John and Ann Green
We knew Richard for the last 40 years or so and and always found him a most kind and congenial man. He will be sadly missed by many.and we express our condolences to Ruth and all his family. His contribution to the community over so many years was outstanding. Rest in peace Richard.
Penny Ridler
Dear Ruth:
I am saddened to hear of your loss and send you and your family my kindest thoughts. I will be thinking of you.
Penny
Brenda & Joe Laird
Ruthe
It is a sad day for Caledon. Richard was a great supporter for Scouting in Caledon. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Brenda & Joe Laird
Doug & Sandy Nicholson
Dear Ruth & Family,
Our deepest condolences for your loss of Richard, Caledon has lost a very good man.
Doug & Sandy
Louise Kindree
Dear Ruther and family,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Peace Ranch, I would like to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Richard’s wisdom, wit, and compassion were very much appreciated at our meetings and the Peace Ranch events he attended. We will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Louise Kindree
Chair, Board of Directors
Peace Ranch
Louise Kindree
Dear Ruthe and family,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Peace Ranch, I would like to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Richard’s wisdom, wit, and compassion were very much appreciated at our meetings and the Peace Ranch events he attended. We will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Louise Kindree
Chair, Board of Directors
Peace Ranch
Pat Laidlaw
Dear Ruthe and Family;
I am saddened with the loss of Richard. He will be greatly missed by many. My memories, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ronald K. Webb
We were sorry to read about the passing of Richard. Having known him for many many years, I can say with confidence that his contribution to the welfare of the people of Caledon and the Region of Peel was substantial. He will be missed.
Ron Webb
George MCneill
Ruth. I was sorry to learn of Richard’s passing. He was a friend for so many years. My condolences to you and your family.
George McNeill
Jeff Cannon
Kate
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our condolences to you, your mother and the entire family.
Jeff and Michele
Donna and Chuck Davies
Ruthe and Family:
We are sorry to hear of the loss of one of Caledon’s own. Richard served the community with grace and fervour for many years. He will be missed.
All the best,
Donna and Chuck
margot scott
Dear Ruthe and family,
So very sorry to hear about Richard; my deepest sympathy to you and the family. As a Councilor, both at the Town and the Region of Peel he was hard working, kind and always ready to support many community projects. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Sincerely, Margot
Paula Stableford
I am so saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. He truly was a kind and caring man. He will be missed by many. My sincere condolences.
John gelmon
One of my last major stories before getting laid off as reporter for The Bolton Enterprise after two-and-a-half years was coverage of the 1991 election when Richard Whitehead was elected Ward 3 and 4 regional councillor. I remember writing that he was Bolton`s last deputy reeve (circa 1972). Richard`s campaign was instrumental in there being a major change in Caledon council in 1991. He was a clever and powerful man. I remember him making balancing the budget and freezing taxes sound like a simple task. Can`t remember exactly what he said, but he did more than just say it needs to be done. I hope to attend the celebration of his life, but first I have to see if I can have time off from my downtown Toronto job.
Caledon Meals on Wheels
Our deepest condolences. May you find peace and comfort in this time of sadness.
Joyce Ann Farris Confurius and Husband Willian
We are so sorry for your loss! Our prayers are with your family!Richard will be missed!
gord speirs
Richard remember me I was the one that made you laugh when I had my motorcycle taking Marylin for a ride. You dared her to go and she did and when she got back I’ll forget your face thanks gordie you said I’ll never forget it as long as I live’ I think god gave her a second life Richard laugh and looked at me and smiled. DON will remember that day
Anthony Maida
I have known Richard since the 70’s. Richard had a big heart; had integrity;loved Caledon and his family. He was dedicated and will surely be missed.
Dale & Paul Caverly
Dear Ruth & Family,
Our condolences by the loss of Richard, he was a good guy. Our lives crossed many times, I was a Jr. at CP when you and Richard were there, your brother Brian and I were in some classes together a BSS and I did do some part time work for Don & Richard at their gas station. Richard lent our best man, Bill Howie, a car to drive us to our wedding 43 years ago, that was the type of guy he was. Normally always a jovial guy lending a hand to others; it has been many years since I last talked with Richard and I know your community has lost a great friend.
Sincerely,
Dale & Paul Caverly
Carol Campbell
To Ruthe and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. A lot of years have passed since we first met and know how much he will be missed. You will be in our thoughts and prayers Ruthe.
Maureen Kowal
To Don and Carole and Harold and Family
May the peace of Christ surround your hearts at this time
Maureen and Dennis Kowal