Tribute

Richard William Simmons, at the age of 85 passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver BC.

Richard was predeceased by his mother, Minie (Remina) Esther Simmons; his father, Dudley Dawes Simmons; his sisters, Phyllis Inez Carlson and niece, Lori Carlson, Doreen Iris Bate, Gladys Matilda Bate, and Rena Esther Johnson.

Richard is survived by his partner, Ginny Shay, his three children: son, Richard Simmons Jr. and his loving partner; daughters, Allison Symons (Paul Symons), and Pheona Cessford (Tim Cessford) and his four amazing grandchildren; Melissa and Nicholas Cessford and Linden and Wesley Symons. Richard is also survived by his nephew, Robin Carlson (Rilla Carlson and great nephew, Michael Carlson); niece, Rena Carlson (Brian Morris, great niece Cailey, and great nephew Noah); nephew, Russell Johnson (Lori Johnson) and three great nieces, niece, Bonnie Prest (Norm Prest, great niece Sheri, and great nephew Allan). Richard’s beloved animals on the farm including Snickers, Atiya, Leila, Aula, and Sophie.

Richard was born in Oliver, BC and is son to Minie who was a member of the farming ranching community and Dudley veteran of World War II and upon return from war worked at the silica mine in Oliver.

During his growing up years he was a Boy Scout who had the honour of going on a special trip to BC’s capital Victoria, to an event with the Queen in 1959 when she was doing a cross country tour of Canada to open the St Lawerence Seaway. Richard actually did get to meet Queen Elizabeth II when she spoke to him at that event a memory he spoke of fondly. Richard was taught by his mother and his grandmother Matilda Dalrymple (nee Keogan, daughter of Michael Keogan and Esther Nikola) who was a Blacksmith, and midwife from Fairview, the lessons of the land and about culture and language, how to respectfully hunt, fish, and how to care for cattle and horses. Richard’s family has a long history of helping, assisting and offering a listening ear to anyone, something Richard would carry on and do for his entire life. Richard was creative and could fix almost anything. Richard was also taught that humour could heal and he could make almost anyone laugh. Richard loved to share his knowledge and anyone who met him learned something, even if it was just a new joke.

Richard went to school in Oliver and graduated from South Okanagan Secondary School where he made many life long friends including Marilyn the mother of his three children.

From high school Richard went to trade school in Edmonton to become a heavy duty mechanic. He came back to Oliver and started Rapid Transfer with his business partner Eddie Yuckin. They took a brief pause with their trucking business and started Link Hardware, which years later after they sold it would burn down in a major fire in Oliver. Richard and Eddie went back to their trucking business Rapid Transfer. Richard and Ginny retired from Rapid Transfer in 2007. Richard Simmons Jr. continues the legacy of the business running Rapid Industries.

Richard was a leader in the community with his early work as a Boy Scout and as volunteer fireman. He moved up the ranks at the fire hall and was voted in as Fire Chief in 1975 under the recommendation of retiring Chief Chester Hutton. Richard served the community as Fire Chief for 27 years from the 1970s to 2001. Richard served the community as a fireman for over 50 years. Richard was a lifetime member of the Oliver Fire Department and stepped in during his retirement to lend a hand, running the phones and assisting with logistics during the South Okanagan Secondary Frank Venables Auditorium fire. Being a part of the Oliver Fire Department was his greatest joy, life’s work and enduring legacy.

Richard loved the Okanagan and knew every hunting place and back road around. He shared his passion for the outdoors and hunting with many friends and family. He did not have the desire to travel the world much, and in his words, why would I leave the best place on earth? He did however travel to Nova Scotia with his partner Ginny to meet her family and her daughter Leah.

Richard was a recipient of Queen Elisabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 some 50 years after meeting the Queen as a Boy Scout. Richard had received so many awards too numerous to list.

Richard and Ginny, his partner of 30 plus years, lived on a small hobby farm in Oliver and lovingly cared for many horses Rambo (Aria), donkeys Milo, Missy, Roger, Jezebell, Maya, cats – Suitzie, Harmony, Joy and dogs – Bennie and Dixie.

The family would like to thank John, Daryn, and the team at Nunes-Pottinger, Dr. Margaret Myslek, and the medical professionals at the Oliver Hospital. We would also like to thank the Oliver Fire Department and especially his many life long friends who have reached out to offer support and condolences to our family.

We would like to thank Richard for his life of service and for the many roles he played in our lives Son – Brother – Uncle – Dad – Partner – Friend – Leader – Mentor – Teacher. Rest well, and as he liked to say, “ok fine, bye for now, we will see you in the funny papers.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday May 23, 2026 at the Oliver Fire Department Hall, 369 Similkameen Avenue, Oliver, BC.