Richard Chester

Richard John Chester

August 1, 1928 – February 13, 2014

Richard (Dick) John Chester passed away at home on Friday, February 13. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Diane Chester (Sandy Sweet), and Toni Neff, grandchildren Emily (Andrew Torr), and Oskar Neff, his brother Robert (Marjory) and family, niece Laurie Cooke and her family and nephew Sandy Cooke (Fiona) and his family. He is predeceased by his wife, Olive Edna Richardson, who passed away in 2012, his sister Alice and their parents.

He spoke often, especially recently, of his love and respect for his wife Olive who he met through the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation.  They were married more than 60 years and together shared a passion for life, family and social justice.

Richard was born in Victoria, BC to Mary Forrester and Richard Chester. After graduating from secondary school, he attended Victoria College. In his twenties he came to Toronto to seek work opportunities eventually finding employment as a stage hand with CBC television studios in 1955 during the days of live programming. He retired from the CBC in 1990 after 35 years of distinguished service. In retirement he devoted many years as a volunteer delivering food for Meals on Wheels.

Richard was known for his rich knowledge of jazz music and he and Olive were regular patrons of Toronto jazz venues and festivals and he most recently enjoyed Thursday night jazz at Kama on King Street West. Richard possessed a dry sense of humour that was at times quirky and magical and his finely honed wit could be counted on to skewer any argument not well supported. Dick and Olive together loved skiing, swimming, cycling, theatre, art as well as playing bridge throughout their lives with friends, especially with Olive's sister Gwen and her husband Stewart Cooke, and in recent years with the kind members of Senior Adult Services.

After diagnosis with a brain tumour on October 1, 2014 Richard was cared for as a palliative patient in his home. He was an exceedingly private person who dealt with his illness with dignity and grace. The family are grateful for the caring support of: Bev, Helena, Jackie, Janice, Heather, Rebecca, Jeanette, Dania, from Saint Elizabeth; the CCAC and Temmy Latimer Palliative Team, Occupational Therapist Rosalinda, Physiotherapist Kalina, nurses Anna, Simcha and Tatiana; Dr. Jessica Roy and the Toronto Western Hospital Family Medical Clinic; Dr. Mason and Dr. Maurice and staff at the Pencer Brain Tumour Centre at PMH; Jane and Eva for twice weekly shiatsus; kind and patient Medigas delivery persons who truly are the foot soldiers of homecare; Rayburn Ho and the pharmacy staff at Shoppers Drug Mart at Queen Street West and Ryerson; friends, neighbours, work colleagues and family for every possible type of support.

Cremation will take place at a private ceremony. Please join us for a celebration of Richard's life on Saturday, February 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Park Hyatt Toronto (Avenue Road and Bloor), 18th floor, Roof Salon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favourite charity.