Richard Lorne Breakenridge

Richard Lorne Breakenridge

October 8, 1949 - July 4, 2023

Rick (that’s me) was the third son and fourth child of Melvin and Elizabeth. His siblings, in order of age, are Gerald, Myrna (already in heaven), Phil, Ernie (also playing golf on the eternal links), Larry, Greg, and last but never least, Melanie. We almost had our own baseball team. We got our athleticism from my mother, who insisted on playing hockey in the seniors’ league, but that’s a story for another day. Or you could ask Melanie.

I’ve been married 29 years to Val, the love of my life. I have been blessed with three wonderful children – Mike (Ellen), Shelley (Colin), and Samantha (Alana). I am happy to say all three are contributors to society, but sadly, none are golfers. They are too smart to sell their souls to that cruel pastime. These three have produced, with help, 4-1/2 grandchildren who are delightful. The eldest is Taylor, the brainiac, Max, a future train conductor, Andi, a budding chef, and Kai, Mr. Entertainment. The halfer remains nameless at this time, but you could ask Mike. Sadly, it appears there are no golfers in this cluster either.

Born in Summerside, P.E.I., I quickly tired of lobster baby food and so, moved to Calgary. I decided it was wise to go along, as I had just mastered walking. In 1962, the family moved again to Chicago. It was here that I began my lifelong love affair with the Cubs and the Bears, a curse almost as cruel as golf.

I attended the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle Campus, where I received my degree in Mathematics, a skill needed in golf. I convocated (escaped) in 1970 and was suddenly wanted by Uncle Sam to help in Vietnam. I do not look good in green, so I got the hell out of there and returned to Calgary. No longer living at home, I was forced to seek employment. Had I known I would be working for the next 53 years I might have taken my time. I got a job with the now-defunct Alberta Wheat Pool, first in the IT group, and then in Country Operations. After this, I went on to bigger and better opportunities with some great agricultural companies until I formally retired in 2008. Not content to sit still for long, Val and I bought the farm – the Flower Farm in Hillcrest. Fifteen years later, we sold the business and finally retired for real. Unfortunately, I also became ill, and we all know how that turned out.

My life has been filled with joy and adventure and I have no regrets worth mentioning. I have played some of the world’s greatest golf courses, fished numerous times with my brothers and friends on the Winnipeg River, saw history and life through travel, known some great people, and married the greatest woman ever created. Someone once told me marriage is not about being happy, it’s about commitment. While I agree with the commitment part, the not being happy part is bullshit. Valerie has shown me what happiness is and can be, and I am eternally grateful.

I am a believer that we all live lives of great abundance and are therefore called to give something back. I am very proud of my contributions to community over the years, with the new Crowsnest Pass golf club being what I’m most proud of. And that reminds me of my one regret – I never got to play a full round on the new links. But I did get my second hole-in-one on the new third hole. Life can be so fickle. Not as fickle as golf though… stupid golf.

As some of you know, my health took a turn for the worse four years ago. I have been in and out of hospitals, including stays in Calgary and Winnipeg. The care I received in Crowsnest Pass was second-to-none, by a long shot. We so appreciate the medical support I received from everyone here. The commitment in Crowsnest Pass to provide the highest quality of health care never ceased to amaze us. I encourage neighbours and friends in the Pass to do everything you can to support our caregivers and facilities, as we must never lose this hospital or its dedicated staff. If you are thinking of sending flowers, please instead consider a donation to the CNP Health Foundation.

Time to close before this obit is longer than my life was. Be kind to each other, find a passion and pursue it, and be happy. Life is so short.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Springbreak Flower Farm (1606 East Hillcrest Dr., Hillcrest Mines, AB) on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 3:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation (PO Box 455 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0).  Condolences can be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements.  (403) 562-8555

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