Born April 9, 1945 in Toronto and died August 28, 2013, age 68 in Huntsville, ON surrounded by his family. Always fondly attached to his family’s Newfoundland roots. Husband of beloved wife, Ann for 44 years. Will be sadly missed by daughters Cathy (Adam Grills) and Adrienne (Colin Peden), and grandsons Austin and Ethan Grills, and brother David Benson of Chatham, as well as many other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rick spent his early years in Essex, ON, attending Essex District High School and then graduating from St. Andrew’s College Aurora, and York University (1970).
His early business career included Gulf Oil Canada, Benson & Hedges Canada, and Green Giant Limited, at which time he had the good fortune to be hired by Charles Scott, as director of Marketing at Dominion Dairies (Sealtest), and continuing with Charlie through a variety of positions both at Dominion Dairies and later Ralston Purina.
In 1986, Rick, with the support of his wife Ann, took a huge gamble, and left the corporate world to become entrepreneur, moving to their cottage in Huntsville, Muskoka. Rick and Ann’s companies contracted with the M.N.R. at a number of locations for 13 years. Rick was also involved in a number of real estate projects and developments, as well as purchasing a highway service centre from Imperial Oil, and turning the business back into a successful operation. Subsequently, after selling that service centre, Rick invested with a couple of like-minded businessmen, in building and managing office buildings in Muskoka. Rick is very grateful for the support and close friendship of Elaine and Michael Faye, Rupert and Christine Brendon, and his friend and business partner, John O’Rourke.
Family and friends are invited to gather at the MITCHELL FUNERAL HOME on Saturday, September 7th, 2013 from 2-4pm. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, would be appreciated.
Karen & Doug Boettger
Cathy. We just heard of your Dad’s passing from Christopher on September 16th. Rick’s life was too short. Your Dad will always be missed but never forgotten. Please pass on our condolences to your Mom & Adrienne. Karen & Doug Boettger
Teri Frey
Ann,Cathy and Andrienne,
Wishing you peace and comfort at this most difficult time.
I fondly remember my time working with Rick in Algonquin Park.
Pat Tozer
Dear Ann,We were shocked to read in The Forester that Rick had passed away at only 68 yrs. of age. I remember well the first time that I met you and Rick. It was at an access point meeting in April and we were having lunch in Whitney. When I heard his voice across the table, I thought he must be a radio announcer with such a beautiful voice. Both of you were always so genuinely friendly whenever we crossed paths. It is difficult to imagine the sadness that you, Cathy and Adrienne must be feeling. You have our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely, Pat & Ron Tozer
Gwen Lloyd
Ann, Cathy, and Adrienne: I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I have very fond memories of working for him in Algonquin. He taught me a great deal and I am very appreciative of the time spent working for him. I hope that you are surrounded by friends, and family, and good memories during this very difficult time. My sincerest condolences. Gwen.
Marie & James Benson Cramm
We were sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. We were privileged to meet Rick a few yrs. back when he visited Grates Cove with his father,Charles, David and Doug. It was a special time as Charles & Jim were first cousins & it was their first meeting as well. We shared a meal at our cottage in Old Perlican & we will treasure those memories. Sincere sympathy to all his family.
Linda and Thor Pedersen
Dear Ann and FamilyPlease accept our deepest sympathy at the loss of Rick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Kate Hunter-Smyth
Ade, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. We pass on hugs and condolences to you and your family. Know we are thinking of you in during this difficult time.Love Kit, Alex and Ollivia
Shelley Holmberg
Ann, Cathy, Adrienne: Please accept my condolences on the loss of Rick. He taught me a lot with his calm and composed nature during the time that I worked for him in Algonquin. I hope that remembering those things about him help you during this time. ~ Shelley Holmberg
Richard and Patsy Shalla
Very sorry to hear about Rick, condolences to all of you from the staff at Algonquin Park who knew and worked with both of you and the girls at Canoe and Cache Lake.
Don and Jessica Benson
Dear Ann and family,Jessica and I are very sad to hear of the passing of Rick and we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We feel his loss greatly and we wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Hans Dorge
Please accept my condolences. Rick was a good friend and a pleasure to deal with in all my building adventures. He will be sorely missed.
Maurice and Loretta Pearson
We have lost a very dear friend and neighbour. For the many years we knew Rick, he was always there to offer advice and assistance. His warm hearted smile and sense of humour was infectious. We truly hope there will be solace for his family knowing how much he meant to everyone who knew and respected him as we did.
Maurice and Loretta Pearson
Steven and Judy Clements
Ann and familySteven and I have had the opportunity of meeting Rick when he was more involved in real estate, he was very much trusted and respected, and continued as friends over the years. Always happy to see his smile and positive attitude. He was a very professional business man, good friend and I enjoyed many interesting conversations over coffee. He will be sadly missed.
Lynn and Dave Godfrey
To Ann and your family we offer our deepest condolences .rick was a great man and will be missed by many.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Scott Clare
Ann and family: Dianna and I were so saddened to learn of Rick’s passing, from my cousin Janet Conklin-Turner. The Clare’s, Conklin’s and Benson’s all knew each other from our Essex days and from Camp Ahmek days. My mom and sister Marg were also saddened to learn this news tonight. Please pass on our sincere condolences to David as well. Sorry we are not able to attend the Memorial, but our thoughts and prayers will be with all you you.
Valerie Newman Schrauwen
Anne, Neal and I were blessed to have known both you and Rick. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laurén & Sarah Culp
Dear Dave & the Benson family, we are thinking of you at this difficult time and would like to send our condolences and sympathy for your loss of your brother, husband and father. Laurén and Sarah
Marilyn and J. D. MacKay
Marilyn and I send out deepest sympathy. Rick was a great guy we knew from Green Giant days. He was always a caring and thoughtful person who was well respected by all. We know he will be greatly missed by his loving family. Our prayers are with you.
Jacqui and George Uza
Rick will always be remembered as such a bright spot in life. The true definition of a gentle man.What was a pleasant meeting for lunch to talk about old times at Green Giant last year has become a privilege and gift to have been able to see him again.Our prayers are with all of you.
Bill Cairns
To Ann and the Benson family I offer my deepest condolences for your loss. I had the great pleasure of working with Rick as I started my career at Green Giant. He brought a very positive attitude, solid thinking and a caring personality to the people he worked with. We re-connected in Huntsville in July 2012 for dinner with Jacqui & George Uza for dinner and enjoyed recalling those Green Giant days.
marilse & fred sookoor
Dear Adrianne & family
Thinking of you and sending our deepest sympathy.
May those beautiful yesterdays help to ease the sadness of today.
jan conklin turner
Ross and I will miss Rick very much. Ann, you are a dear friend. You and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers.with much love, Jan
Chub Lake Property Owners Assoc.
Dear Ann & Family. We are sending sincere sympathy to you and yours on the passing of Rick. His contribution to the Lake Association and friendship to the members will always be appreciated and he will be sadly missed.
Gail and Ivor Wray
With sadness we heard of Rick’s passing. We will remember him fondly personally and as a member of Chub Lake Association. Sincere sympathies to Ann and family.
Chris Brown
I met Rick at Gulf Oil in 1972. His wonderful approach to life and business helped shape my career. Wonderful sense of humour , a very good colleaque, and a fine friend. I lost track of him 40 years ago, but still have such fond memories of the good times we had. To the family , I send my deep sympathy. He lives on in our memories.
John & Christine Riviere-Anderson
To Ann, Cathy, Adrienne we send our warm thoughts and sympathy,remembering Rick as an exemplary entrepreneur and a fine community and family man.John & Christine
Jim & Jocelyn Leighton
Rick was a gentleman and always a pleasure to meet. Our hearts are heavy with the news of his passing and we keep his family in our thoughts.
Marcy @ Walt Medwid
Dear Dave, and the Benson family, our condolences on the passing of your brother, husband and Dad. You are in our thoughts at this most difficult time. Warmest regards ,Walt and Marcy Medwid
Rick Wearing and Sandra Parrott
Dear Ann and family: We were saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. We always enjoyed our interactions with him over the years. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Warm regards and blessings to you all. Rick & Sandra