BORN

1939

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Foster's Garden Chapel & Crematorium

3220 4th St NW

Calgary, Alberta

Richard "Dick" Lowndes Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 31, 2012.

LOWNDES, Richard "Dick" C.
May 12, 1939 – December 29, 2012

Richard "Dick" passed away suddenly in Calgary, AB on Saturday, December 29, 2012. Richard is survived by his wife, Margaret, of 33 years; step daughter Dawna (Dan) of London, ON; step grandson Bradley (Jen) Robinson; step great grandchildren Anna and Aaron of High River, AB; step grandsons Justin and Richard of Calgary, AB as well as an extensive network of nieces and nephews from coast to coast. He is the beloved brother of Jenny, Rachel and Quinta; brothers-in-law Bruce and Ian; and predeceased by Geoffrey. Richard was also a loved uncle of several nieces and nephews. Before coming to Canada in 1965, he served in the Merchant Navy and at the Radar Establishment in Malvern. After retiring, Dick had time to pursue his life-long passion for astronomy as well as tending his garden, especially his beloved roses. He and Marg always enjoyed life together which included their love of music, model railroading, growing of African Violets, love of the outdoors, biking, hiking and traveling extensively. Dick will be greatly missed by many whose lives he touched. A Memorial Service will be held at FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen's Park Cemetery) on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL
FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM
Telephone: 403-297-0888
Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard "Dick" Lowndes

What is your first memory of Richard "Dick"?

Share a favorite memory you have of Richard "Dick".

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Richard "Dick".

Describe a time when Richard "Dick" made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Richard "Dick"?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Richard "Dick".

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Richard "Dick".

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Richard "Dick".

What is something you learned from Richard "Dick"?

Not sure what to say?

50 Entries

January 12, 2013

So sorry to hear this sad news. We met Dick (and Marg) at the star party in New Mexico and were looking forward to seeing them (and playing Mexican Train) again this year.
John and Wendy McDonald, Victoria

January 9, 2013

Keith Armstrong

My thoughts and prayers are with the Lowndes family. He was a true inspiration and I will miss his passion for life and in particular, astronomy. I will remember him for so many friendly conversations we struck up at so many astronomical events in the past. Farewell my friend...

January 8, 2013

Grace and Dale Wilson

Margaret
We were so sorry to hear about Dick's death in the paper and then Anne phoned us and told us what happened. Sorry we could not make the funeral. You have our deepest sympathies and hope you are healing better each day, as I understand you had to have oxygen at the funeral. All the best Marg. I there is anything we can do please let us know.

Dale and Grace Wilson -Okotoks

January 7, 2013

Dear Marg - I'm so sorry to hear of Dick's passing - you were both so suited to each other and enjoyed all the same activities. He was such a nice person and I know how difficult this will be for you and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. On a more positive note - he is probably playing bridge with Audrey and Edith Ingleby by now. I'm sorry I missed the funeral - I only found out about it on Saturday too late to attend. Sincerely Donna Barrett

January 6, 2013

Rachel Craven

Richard was our brother, the eldest of 5 - Richard, Jenny, the late Geoffrey, Rachel and Quinta - and the eldest of 10 cousins. He was also brother-in-law of Bruce and Ian, Uncle of Emma, Alex, Bethany and Helen and great-uncle of Angus. He took this position quietly and seriously. And he learned to tease his little sisters mercilessly

When World War II broke out, the infant Richard was in New Zealand with his mother - he returned across the United States where people begged his mother to leave him with them but she would not be parted from her infant son and they crossed the Atlantic in an American ship. One of Richard's earliest memories was seeing Bristol in flames after the Blitz.

Despite leaving home at 18 and the scattering of all of us around the world, Richard never seemed far away.

He fished off Spitzbergen, attended the Radar Establishment at Malvern and spent time as a Radio Officer in the Merchant Navy.

Working at Fylingdales in Yorkshire, he first encountered his long-term friend, Malcolm. Later, they both found themselves here in Calgary.

He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and some extraordinary talents.
For instance, he was the only person I have ever known who was able to hook a lime green hula hoop over the chimney of an old, English, two-storey vicarage. And it's probably there still.

Richard had many loves in his life:
• from childhood he was a radio-fanatic - the bedroom he shared with his brother, Geoffrey, was a spider's web of wires attached to short-wave radios - a love that was to shape his future
• he loved the mountains for hiking and ski-ing and insisted that no-one could call themselves a hiker or rambler unless they had climbed The Three Sisters. I had broken ribs to attest to my failure.
• he loved the powerful music of Beethoven and Wagner - and of Bach played on the King of Instruments, the organ - especially if it had a 64foot pipe.
• he loved his telescopes and astronomy devoting much time to exploring the heavens and demonstrating its wonders to others
• he loved his garden - especially the roses
• and birds
• he loved Margaret and he loved the life, family, friends and travels they enjoyed together - [I'm sure Brad will have more to say on that.]
• and he loved to read - to read his ever-growing pile of books-to-be-read which, tragically, will now remain unread by him.

We will miss our brother, Richard.

January 6, 2013

Posted by

January 5, 2013

Bob and Helga Pattison

We have shared so many great and beautiful moments over the years - hiking, backpacking, climbing and camping or just visiting. Dick will be greatly missed by all of us.
Marg, our help will always be here for you.
With love

January 5, 2013

Dick was a friend, a good listener and a lively personality at Friday Morning Coffee. He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his beloved wife, Marg.
Janet and Enrique

January 5, 2013

Erlinda and Frank Howard

The life of your best friend has been snatched in the midst of the joys you two have been experiencing. Our prayers are with you and we hope that each day will lessen the pain you are going through now.
We will miss Dick in our Friday Coffee gathering.

January 5, 2013

Del and Bonnie Connolly

Our sincere sympathy to the family, we knew Richard many years ago at square dance

January 5, 2013

Annette&Wayne Henshaw

Dawna and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family at this time, lots of love from London,Ontario

January 4, 2013

Marg and family I am ver sorry for your loss. -The Tremere Family

January 4, 2013

Connie,Ron & Amanda Spak

I have to share the same story as Kim on our journey upto China Man's Peak in 1981 as I will never forget this. It was quite the experience. I distinctively remember Uncle Dick saying we will take you guys "hiking" and you can see exactly what we do up here on our "hikes". So we were expecting a nice leisurely stroll through the woods. Well!!! Let me tell you...that was no hike!!! Here was a couple 20 years our senior totally outdoing us in scaling our way up to China Man's Peak!! This was their definition of "hiking"!!!
Also had the pleasure of being able to golf with Uncle Dick, view planets through his "gargantuan" telescope(what a thrill!!), listen to his fasinating stories of his many adventurous travels with Aunt Marg and just being able to talk to Uncle Dick about anything as he was always genuinely interested in what you had to say. We will never forget "Lambsie", his pet name for Aunt Marg. These are just my few good memories of Uncle Dick. May your many wonderful years together with Uncle Dick keep his memory alive for you Aunt Marg. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. You're a great man, Uncle Dick!! We'll miss you. Rest In Peace.

January 4, 2013

Don & Marianne Hladiuk

Dick was a key supporter of the RASC, Calgary Centre and will be dearly missed. May you enjoy the starry heavens from above.

January 4, 2013

Marg, you are in our thoughts, it was a pleasure to know Dick and enjoy his lovely roses. If you need anything, please let us know. Regards Steve and Carol Cooper

January 4, 2013

Susan Yeo

It was my honour to know Dick through our mutual love of astronomy. He was always ready to pitch in wherever and whenever needed and he will be sorely missed by all. My deepest condolences to Marg and family.

January 4, 2013

Eugene Fedutenko

I am deeply saddened by this news. I did not know Dick for long time, but the time we did spend by star-gazing together was truly memorable. The last time I saw him in early December at WCO and we discussed plans to go to stargaze in NM next March.

Thank you for everything, Dick. My deepest condolences to the Lowndes family.

January 4, 2013

Les & Judy Andrechuk

We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.....with love Les and Judy

January 4, 2013

Carol Rudd

Marg my deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers for you. I loved our conversations with you guys. Dick was always so helpful explaining the stars. Any support I can offer, just ask.

January 3, 2013

Kim Starkewski

Kim and I will always cherish our time with Dick. Our love of hiking took on a new twist in 1981 when Marg and Dick took us both, along with Ernie on a leisurely hike up China Man's Peak in Canmore. Being prairie folks who look outside and see from one border of Manitoba to another, it was like climbing a mountain. We still have the blisters on our feet to prove it. Dick, your warmth and compassion, towards our daughters Jacquie and Kristen, and Kim and I will never be forgotten. A lot of us wish you could have come golfing with us, as we have all watched Margie hit a ball, with not too many good results. Enjoying your love for Roses, and your passion for astronomy, and your love of Margie and enjoying life to the fullest, are the kind of memories that will never fade. We will always feel the warmth you had for Lambsie, and know that these good times will help Margie. With our love. Kim, Grant, Jacqueline and Kristen

January 3, 2013

John Calder

The management and staff at Auto Experts offer our condolences to the Lowndes family. Dick was always a pleasure to deal with and will be missed.

January 3, 2013

Anne and Greg King

Our deepest condolences to Marg and the Lowndes family at this very sad time.

I met Dick through the astronomical society where he frequently volunteered and shared his love of the sky with the public and fellow astronomers. I will miss him out under the stars where he was always pushing the boundaries of his observing knowledge and very generous in sharing his discoveries with those of us not as skilled.

Clear skies Dick.

January 3, 2013

Morris & Shirley Buchy

We were so sorry to hear this sad news and our deepest sympathy goes out to you Marge and family. May all the wonderful memories of your time together give you comfort and peace as those memories live forever.
Take Care

January 3, 2013

Helen & Bob Parker

Dear Marg
Words cannot fully express our deepest sympathy with your loss. May cherished memories help you through these days with the love and support of family and friends. Our thoughts are with you.

January 3, 2013

Auntie Marge and family.

Sandy and I are so saddened by the loss of your soul mate,and we offer our deepest sympathy.Uncle Dick was a man that we always looked forward to seeing and talking to.He will always be in our hearts and our prayers.

January 3, 2013

Bill & Nicole Starkewski

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Marg and family. Dick will be greatly missed by all hearts he has touched and left an imprint on. He is planting gardens with the angels now and making heaven a more beatiful place. our prayers are with you,

January 3, 2013

Emma, Stan and Angus Schymanski

The Schymanskis send their sincerest condolences from Switzerland. We often think of "Uncle Richard and Aunty Margaret", especially at this time of the year. A great pity Angus will never meet his Great Uncle Richard.

January 3, 2013

Paul Dyson

Please accept my condolences on the passing of Dick. While not a close friend I had known Dick for many, many years and know how much he will be missed by Marge and all his friends.
Paul Dyson (Virginia, USA)

January 3, 2013

Marg, Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Dick's contributions to the Calgary Horticultural Society was outstanding, he was a very devoted volunteer during his time on the Board of Directors. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Elizabeth Jolicoeur & Friends at the Calgary Horticultural Society

January 3, 2013

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Marg and Jennifer and all their family. We will miss Dick at Monday coffee. Sharon Dougan & Gary Manthorne

January 3, 2013

andrew burrowes

My deepest sympathies Marg. I remember with fondness several ski trips with Dick. He was always keen for a good conversaton and such an engaging and interesting person to talk to. He will be sorely missed.

January 3, 2013

Lynn Bowers

I know I'm going to miss meeting Dick at our Friday morning gatherings. His obvious delight in Marg's teasing was a pleasure to behold.

January 3, 2013

Barb Mitchell

cherish those fabulous memories - they will help you through.
With deepest sympathy

January 2, 2013

Renate a.Hugo Kuehrt

Dear Marg, What we are feeling right now is hard to put into words.We do hold on to our memories.Our love and support will always be here for you.

January 2, 2013

Marg, we are sorry to hear of Dick's passing, always enjoyed your company and seeing the love you had for each other. Darlene & Roger

January 2, 2013

Anne Bloomberg

Dear Marg,

My very deepest sympathies on the passing of your husband, Dick.

January 2, 2013

malcolm bolam

my deepest sympathy to margaret and richards sisters jenny,rachel,and quinter also all the other members of the family and his many friends.i could never hope for a better friend than richard i'm going to miss him.

January 2, 2013

emery and carol watz

Hi Marg......... sorry to hear of your loss, I talked to Dick end of Oct at the "old farts luncheon" he said we might see you guys in Yuma this winter. our prayers are with you.

January 2, 2013

Alma and Bill Jennings

Dear Marg-such dreadfyl and shocking news. Please accept our most sincere condolences. May God give you strength to endure the loss of someone who was so special to you. Be well my friend. Always in our thoughts

January 2, 2013

Larry/Lana and boys Danylyshen

Marg....it was such a shock. He was such a great man and we are so glad you found each other. We do and will hold such good memories always in our hearts. Love you

January 2, 2013

We are saddened to learn of Dick's passing. We often met up with Marg and Dick while pursuing the outdoors. I enjoyed chatting with him while working at Telus and in comparing notes on model railroading. A kind man who will be missed.


Victor and Shirley (High River)

January 2, 2013

Laurie Allard

My heart is with you in this time of sorrow.

January 2, 2013

Wow, such a shock to hear this news. Dick will be fondly remembered as he was full of life and vigor. Marg and family, you will be in our prayers and thoughts.
Bev & Ken From

January 2, 2013

Margaret
My thoughts are with you at this sad time with the loss of Dick. Family and friends will all have special memories of him and by sharing them with each other, he will remain in the hearts of all whose lives he touched.

January 2, 2013

Pat Matsalla

I will always remember Dick as a loving, kind and dedicated friend. You will be missed at WCO, star parties and RASC council. Clear skies old friend.

January 1, 2013

Norm Gold

My deepest condolences to all the Loundes family. It was great meeting and chatting with Richard at coffee on Monday's and at the Astronomy meetings.

January 1, 2013

Doug Thorp

Our deepest condolences to the Lowndes family for your loss.

Dick was a valuable member of the RASC Calgary Centre. His passion and dedication for astronomy was easy to see at the many public events Dick would volunteer for.

I will also miss our chats about travel and how life is a wonderful journey of discoveries.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Marg and the family.

Doug, Laura & Robert Thorp

January 1, 2013

Dick has have been a great friend and neighbour - for over 34 years - and together with Marg's green thumb and both their love and zest for life have brightened the lives those around them. Both of you are very much loved and Dick will be missed so much by all, especially those in the neighbourhood. Rest in peace our friend - may the Good Lord pick a star for you. And our love and support always to you Marg. Peter & Wendy.

January 1, 2013

Doug Thorp

Our deepest condolences to the Lowndes family. Dick was a valued member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Calgary Centre. His dedication to his hobby and his love of sharing it with others will be missed.

I will also miss our chats about travel and how life is a journey.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Marg and the rest of the family.

Doug, Laura, & Rob Thorp

January 1, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Dick was a great man and will be sadly missed.
Much love Jack, Diane, Colin, Brenna, Jessica and Shawn

Showing 1 - 50 of 50 results

Make a Donation
in Richard "Dick" Lowndes's name

Memorial Events
for Richard "Dick" Lowndes

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Foster's Garden Chapel & Crematorium

3220 4th St NW, Calgary, AB T2M3A5

How to support Richard "Dick"'s loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard "Dick" Lowndes's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more