Obituary of Richard Mawhood
Obituary for Richard Mawhood, written by himself.
Richard “Rick” Mawhood; son of lieutenant E.W.R (Dickie) Mawhood (R.N.V.R.) and Joan Horne, born June 20, 1942 in Trinidad B.W.I. at Royal Navy Air Station Piarco where my dad was stationed – Fleet Air Arm. My sister, Susan, was born one year later in July 1943 in England. Our dad died in August 1944 from malaria contracted in Trinidad. We lived in Little Hampton, Sussex, and as mom had to work we had a nanny – Pam Green who is still living, and is a lifelong friend. I went to Furzedown School. Later on we moved to Epsom, Surrey, just down the hill from the famous race course. I went to Danes Hill School Oxshott, and then St. John’s School Leatherhead.
In 1959, we emigrated to Canada – arriving in Montreal on the Ivernia on May 2, where we greeted my mum’s soon to be husband, and our stepfather Major Lindsay Horne. We lived in Jordan, Ontario for a few years. Mum was Dr. Smith’s nurse and receptionist. I worked various jobs – Eddie Black’s at the Pen Centre, Bell Telephone, Thompson Products and during this time met Barbara Vanstone, actually at a St. Catharines Teepees game at Garden City Arena. Barbara and I were married on September 2, 1967 – our Centennial project- at St. George’s Anglican Church by Rev. Downey. We are still active members, and volunteered for the Breakfast Program. Most satisfaction from volunteering here! I was the Sunday 8 am greeter for several years under Rev. Rob Fead (God Bless Him) and Rev. Val Kerr. Followed by Rev. Martha Tatarnic and Rev. Scott McLeod. I was on Parish Council for one term.
Several years ago St. George’s and St. Thomas alternated Sunday morning broadcasts of the 11 am service on CKTB Radio. I was the St. George’s host. In August 1969, I was hired by the Lincoln County Board of Education as an Audio-Visual Technician and was assigned to Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, where I remained until retirement in January of 1999. Some fond memories – GO BULLDOGS!
Our son, Rod, was born in 1973 and with Barbara being from an avid sports family (The Vanstones) we were into hockey, soccer and baseball early. I’m proud to say Rod has become a sports announcer, writer and radio personality. Rod loves sports and being behind a microphone. He graduated from Mohawk College as a Broadcast Journalist, and since then it has been one success after another. I am extremely proud of him, and know there will be a microphone in his hands at all times! We continue to follow him at his various sporting assignments. I particular enjoyed the Niagara IceDogs and hope that a Memorial Cup is in the not too distant future – GO DOGS GO!
Barbara and I have been fortunate enough to travel, although there’s no place like home! Our honeymoon was in Barbados. Have been to Turks & Caicos, Aruba, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, British Columbia and Newfoundland & Labrador. We’ve been to England several times, and one trip joined a European Bus Tour to Brussels, Berlin, Switzerland, Italy (Rome, Florence) and France.
As an Englishman you might guess that soccer (football) is my game. I am a Manchester United fan since the Munich air disaster. More recently I have become a Liverpool FC follower. Also on my bucket list to do was to attend a Liverpool home game at Anfield and sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” – brings tears to my eyes every time!! A good friend, Mr. John Bullivant, is a Manchester City fan and I want to thank him for his kindness and generosity enabling me to watch more soccer and British sports on TV – thank you, John!
Upon retirement I worked part-time at Chapters and Shoppers Drug Mart as a delivery driver. Volunteering at the Community Care warehouse as a sorter and packer – was most rewarding, thoroughly enjoyable and a great workout! I also worked with Jack Sinke and his Battery Recycling Program for the Hotel Dieu Shaver. Was active until my diagnosis swimming at the Kiwanis Pool, cycling with long rides on weekends. I was an avid marathon runner in my earlier days and ran the Skylon Marathon three times. I am okay with most music, but do prefer Classical, The Blues and Dixieland Jazz. I enjoyed Lonnie Donegan & His Skiffle Group. I enjoyed photography, but preferred film. Best of all, I loved getting dirty in the garden!
In May 2018, I was diagnosed with Acute (AML) Leukemia. A life changing moment. I spent six weeks at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton on heavy duty 24/7 chemotherapy, and continued at Juravinski until December as an outpatient. Juravinski was a top notch facility. Unfortunately my cancer would return. Thankfully the staff at Juravinski let me continue my treatment at the Walker Family Cancer Clinic in St. Catharines. I tried an experimental cancer drug called Vidaza, and this showed some success. The oncologist said Leukemia won’t kill you, but an infection(s) will and that’s what did.
Prior to my illness I want to thank Dr. David Lorenzen, and Dr. Matt Greenway. Thanks to doctors Lepic and Leber at the staff at Juravinski, Dr. Maida and the staff at the Walker Clinic and Dr. Luce and the staff at the Hotel Dieu Shaver. Special thanks to Dr. Leonard for his help and advice during the early days of my illness. Special thanks to family - Janet and John Vanstone, Melitta Vanstone and the rest of the Vanstone family. Special thanks to my side of the family – to Barbara I.T.A.L.Y. To Rod: Love you. Hope you and Valerie and family live happily ever after. Special thanks to Kevin Morden (Susan’s son) for always keeping in touch. Susan would be so proud of you! To Bill, Gail and Greg. Special thanks to all nieces and nephews, friends and neighbours near and far.
Remember:
WE’LL MEET AGAIN
DON’T KNOW WHERE DON’T KNOW WHEN
BUT I KNOW WE’LL MEET AGAIN SOME SUNNY DAY
TTFN and remember #YNWA
Donations will be gratefully received by Community Care St. Catharines, St. George’s Church Breakfast Program and Sir Winston Churchill School Athletics.
Arrangements are entrusted to the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME 585 Carlton Street St. Catharines, ON. Arrangement details will be posted in due time
