Dales, Richard (Rick) Gerard, Father (Died)

DALES, Father Richard (Rick) Gerard - Entered immortality on Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 in Woodstock, ON. Fr. Rick was in his 71st year of life and 35th year of priestly life. He was predeceased by his parents, George (1982) and Mary (Moir) (1983), his brothers George (2001) and Michael (2017) and by his sister-in-law, Cecile (2017). Father Rick will be deeply missed by his brother, Peter (Judy) of Toronto, and by his sisters Joanne (Ralph) Tersigni of Guelph and Jane (Peter) Flachs of Walkerton. He was loved so dearly by his nieces and nephews, Cathy (Bryan), Julie (Rinaldo), Dan (Ashley), Patricia (David), Dominic (Daniella), Eddie (Katherine), Laura (Josh), Matthew, & Alexandra (Danielle). He was a wonderful great-uncle to Kirk, Nick, Ryan, Olivia, Sophia, Cole, Jane, Katherine, Adrian, Ella, Romeo and Leon. Father Rick’s life-long dedication to the Roman Catholic Church began during his childhood, when he served as an altar boy and helped his mother with decorating and caretaking duties at St. Joseph’s Parish in the village of Cargill, ON. Father Richard was baptized at St. Jospeh’s, and he celebrated his first mass and family funerals at this very special parish. It was his wish that we celebrate his life with a Mass of Christian Burial at the church that was still so close to his heart. Before entering the seminary, Father Rick completed his B.A. (History) at the University of Guelph. After obtaining his teaching certificate in London, ON, he was employed by the Wellington Catholic District School Board (formerly WCSSB). He taught in Guelph at Our Lady of Lourdes and in Kenilworth before answering the call to serve God. He was ordained a priest on May 7th, 1983 at St. Peter’s Basilica Cathedral in London, Ontario. From there, Father Rick served in the Diocese of London as an associate pastor of St. Justin’s Parish, London, and as pastor at St. Philip Parish, St. Benedict Parish, St. Anne Parish, and he was the current pastor at Holy Trinity Parish in Woodstock, ON. Father Rick was loved immensely by his family, friends and parishioners. He was a pillar of strength for those around him, and his spiritual guidance provided comfort for those who knew him and loved him. Father Rick dedicated his life to serving others, and he had a special love for the elderly, the infirm, and the poor. He made everyone that he met feel connected; not only to him, but to each other, and especially to God. His homilies and prayers were always filled with personal words and reflections while celebrating the Sacraments. He had a wonderful and quick sense of humour, and his laughter filled a room. He also took solace in appreciating the beauty found in nature, and he expressed this most often through his passion for gardening. He loved the quiet moments in prayer, near the water, listening to music or relaxing with a good book. We are all blessed for having known and loved him. He will be dearly missed by family, friends, and those to whom he ministered. The family wishes to thank Father Richard Bester, Father Rick’s long-time friend, for his guidance, counsel and support during this difficult time. Arrangements have been entrusted to the SMITH-LeROY FUNERAL HOME , 69 Wellington St. North, Woodstock, ON (519) 537-3611 and the CAMERON FUNERAL HOME , 1106 Yonge St. South, Walkerton, ON (519) 881-1273. Resting at Holy Trinity Parish, 1420 Devonshire Ave, Woodstock, Friday, January 19th, 2018 from 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil will be held at 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, January 20th, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, 1420 Devonshire Ave, Woodstock, ON. The Church will be open at 9:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at the CAMERON FUNERAL HOME , 1106 Yonge St, South, Walkerton, on Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial and Final Commendation will be on Monday, January 22, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish, Cargill, ON. Interment will take place in the spring. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Parish Building Fund (Woodstock) or the St. Joseph’s Parish Building Fund (Cargill). Condolence messages may be sent to www.smithleroy.com or www.cameronfuneralhomes.com