Obituary of Richard Bruce Hastings

Richard B. Hastings A.I.I.C.

After a short illness Richard “Dick” Hastings passed away on November 20, 2018. Born on March 28, 1935, in Toronto, the third of three sons to Clarence “Tat” and Elaine Hastings. He attended Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute and then, what is now, Wilfred Laurier University and the University of Western Ontario where he met Louise, his wife of 60 years. He worked in several family businesses as an insurance adjuster, and investigator, focusing on self-insuring utilities such as Consumers Gas, Ottawa Gas and Provincial Gas. It was work that took him across the county as he became one of the leading experts in the investigation of gas and propane fires and explosions. It required patience, stamina and an incredible work ethic - it suited him perfectly. Summers were spent at the family cottage on Lake Simcoe and then Lake Rousseau where he happily spent his time on numerous DIY projects. In retirement he and Louise moved to Port Dalhousie where they became actively involved with the St. Catharines Rowing Club. Later in life the effects of dementia robbed him of his memory and much of his independence - but it did not take away his spirit, curiosity or sense of humor. His true love was his wife Louise, his children Stephen, Michael and Lindsay, grandchildren John, Cullen, Jackson and Lucy, daughter-in-law Kim and son-in-law Adam. A family reception will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. at 2 Terry Lane, St. Catharines, Ontario. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.