December 18, 1942 - September 19, 2022
When you read this you know I will have passed away -
I was going to try and make this long story short, but I have been told I seldom do this - so here goes. I was an only child, born and raised in Windsor, Ontario to Roy and Margaret Faulkner. In 1961, I joined the navy and came to Victoria. It wasn't very long before I decided that Vancouver Island was home. After 3 1/2 years in the Navy, I knew it wasn't for me so in 1965 I went to BCVS (now VI University in Nanaimo) where I completed the welding course. It was here that I met my wife Annette (Anne). We were married 8 months later - 57 years ago.
I worked at the Crofton Mill for 30+ years, first as a welder then as a dispatcher. Things changed in 1980 when I had a motorcycle accident that left me a paraplegic. Prior to the accident I enjoyed riding motorcycles, hunting, scuba diving, and fishing. We restored a 1915 Model T Ford and nearly restored a 1930 Harley Davidson and sidecar (that I bought when Anne was in hospital having our daughter). After the accident, I decided that we could build a 3 wheeled trike (GimpCycle) which would hold my wheelchair. We were able to do this with help and support from great friends and wonderful family. I put nearly 60 thousand miles on the trike travelling from Mexico to Alaska. Later we enjoyed camping with our motorhome but stayed on Vancouver Island. Again, without the support of our wonderful family and friends these things couldn't have been done - thank you to all of you.
I am survived by my wonderful (and very patient) wife Annette - without her love and support, I would not have been able to stay home until the end. Also my very supportive daughter Kristine (Paul and Luc) and 3 amazing grandchildren: Logan, Katie (Evan) and Jessica (Rory and family) - all of whom I am extremely proud of. I am also survived by Annette's siblings: Chris, Roberta, Robert and their families.
Many, many thanks to the wonderful, caring and also patient nurses from the Ladysmith Home Care team that listened to all my genealogy stories over and over while providing care. I would also like to say thank you to Dr. Jim Broere who went above and beyond to help.
I am going to be interred in Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens with our son Roy (2001).
I have asked not to have any kind of service however, if you decide you would like to donate, I know the Spinal Cord Injury of BC would appreciate donations. Spinal Cord Injury BC, 780 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver BC, V6P 5Y7 Attn: Karen Gillespie.
Rick
To express condolences, share memories and photos, please visit: www.sandsduncan.ca
Sands of Duncan ~ 250-746-5212
Sands of Duncan