Phone: (613) 382-3088
Tribute Wall
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Rick's life will be held on Howe Island at a later date.
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Marcia McClelland posted a condolence
Monday, June 19, 2023
Dear Pat - we are so shocked and saddened to hear of Rick's passing. He and Bill worked together during their initial start as two young men training as ambulance attendants and maintained their friendship over the years. I had the pleasure of meeting him through Bill in 1985 and discovered we had both lived in Saint John, NB not far from each other when we were younger. He was a kind, considerate, funny guy to be around. It was a pleasure to have known him and also to have met you at the lovely home you shared together. Rick was the happiest we'd ever seen him and I trust you will find solace in the joy-filled memories of your life together. We shall miss his 'spur of the moment' calls to rendevous!
With love, hugs, and prayers.
Marci & Bill McClelland
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Debbie White uploaded photo(s)
Monday, June 19, 2023
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Rick was a kind and considerate family friend for 35 years. Rick received the Governor General of Canada's award for Outstanding Service and a City of Ottawa medal. Rick worked for the RCMP in Saskatchewan, Ontario and PEI. From seven years Rick owned and operated Skymed, a company involved in supplying a helicopter medical emergency service to Eastern Ontario. He constantly rescued German Shepherd dogs. Rick was someone you could count on for advice, direction and true friendship. Raised in the Maritimes he was happiest helping someone or animals or behind the wheel of his boat, mainly in the Thousand Islands even before he moved there, or test driving a car or truck. He built a large wholesale car business from a much loved hobby. RIP my friend, you will be remembered every day as we gaze at waterways, 4 wheelers and 6 wheelers.
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Terry McCarthy posted a condolence
Sunday, June 11, 2023
My condolences to Pat and Rick's family and friends. The last I saw Rick was at our last troop reunion in Princeton, B.C. a wonderful visit. Tom Bishop and I have let as many of L Troop 64/65 know as we still have contact for. May he rest in peace.
Kind Regards,
Terry McCarthy, L troop, 64/65
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Peter Kope posted a condolence
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Condolences to Pat and family for their loss. Although we did not know Richard and Pat for a long time, our common interest in boating and similar cruisers we owned, conversations at Kingston Vet events always dominated our love of boating and experiences we shared. We will miss those exchanges.
Konnie and Peter Kope
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J Larton posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Rick over the last handful of years, when I became a part of his extended family. In an earlier part of his life he was a step-dad (to someone other than Brandon), and as a testament to the type of person he was, even though he found his true love in Pat and built a lovely life with her, he maintained a close, caring relationship with his earlier step-daughter and her two boys. He was, and will always be remembered as, Grampa Rick.
From my personal experience getting to know Rick, what I will remember most about him is his sincerity. He always struck me as kind, considerate and sincere in everything he did. A gracious host, a quick wit and a story-teller with a deep well of experiences to draw from, but above all, sincere. I think that if we could all live life as Rick did, if would be a life well-lived.
Pat, I am so, so sorry for your loss.
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Kris Ruttan posted a condolence
Monday, June 5, 2023
Rick Drew was awash in folks who were drawn in by his affable nature and his unfailing interest in whoever he was talking with. He gave his full attention, commenting or asking, but most of all, listening. An excellent host, he loved to sit and talk, tell stories and laugh over a glass of wine.
Here was a man who loved his boat. We had drinks aboard Forever Young last summer and it was plain to see that this space, his boat, was his “happy place”, and he’s the only person I know who saw the 1000 Islands from a Blackhawk Helicopter!
Rick went on ahead of the rest of us, but we’ll catch up someday and we’ll find out he’s got something very special to show us when we get there.
Kris Ruttan
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Cliff Ruttan posted a condolence
Monday, June 5, 2023
Standing in line at the Gananoque Metro, I felt something jostle me from behind. I turned to see a very tall man leaning forward, counting the items in his cart. Perhaps he was in the wrong line?
I noticed an emblem on his baseball cap, a small metal replica of a shape I knew very well. Quietly, I said to this stranger, “That’s a very unique cap you are wearing.”
And thus began a great friendship with Rick Drew - a simple chance meeting at the grocery store.
Our lives as young men began on the same path, but veered away to meet life’s challenges in very comparable ways. Helping people was Rick’s mantra, and he will be missed. His big heart, his great smile, his best life! I wanted to talk about something with him, but it can wait until we meet again.
Cliff Ruttan
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Eleanor Chestnutt lit a candle
Friday, June 2, 2023
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Paul Morneau posted a condolence
Friday, June 2, 2023
Rick was such a positive force at work. Always smiling and happy to say hello. He was an caring and empathetic soul--in other words the most important part of being a great paramedic. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My most sincere condolences to his family.
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joanne dow uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, June 1, 2023
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I remember meeting Rick for the first time, shortly after he'd saved Pat's life after she'd fallen into the water. It seemed that they were destined to be together forever after that. They were kindred spirits and shared a beautiful love ... Pat said that his gaze was always so deep and loving. Dear Pat and Brandon ... we know how much you loved Rick, and that you will miss his warmth, his humour and his incredible kindness. He truly was gentle giant and we are so sorry that he has left you too soon. Rest in peace, dear Rick.
With love, and sympathy. Joanne and Tig (Hugh) Dow.
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Carol Syred posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Dear Pat and Family - Keeping you in my thoughts, at this difficult time. Rick was one of the Good Guys, and his friendly smile and zest for life, will be missed.
Sincerely - Carol Syred (Tait)
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Paul posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
The short time I knew Rick, he was always ready with a quick joke or anecdote. His charm, gentle and kind demeanor has left a lasting impression on all of us. Willing and ready to lend a helping hand, a simple smile and a wave was always guaranteed.
Rick and Pat clicked in so many ways and that was wonderful to witness, but when you have two magnificent people come together, that is simply inevitable.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Pat, Brandon and Rick's family.
Just know you are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Sending lots of love your way,
The Zuccato Family.
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Claudia Normandin uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 29, 2023
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My heart go out to you and your family.
I will always cherish the memories we shared with Rick. He was such a wonderful friend and I will always remember him for his humor, generosity, and care.
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John Bown posted a condolence
Saturday, May 27, 2023
I had the good fortune to get to know Rick while working for Kanata Ambulance. It was always a pleasure to work with him. He was a very kind soul and gentle as a lamb....except for the night he clocked a very unruly male patient with the aluminum bed pan that we used to carry back then,lol.
Great guy,great friend, you will be missed by every one who knew you!!!!
Take care my friend.....RIP
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Nan Lowe uploaded photo(s)
Friday, May 26, 2023
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David and I have many great memories of times shared with Rick.
Of particular note at the place on Prince of Wales Drive (which he shared with some other AO's) and in Carp where volleyball, and Helicopter landings were the order of the day.
He was the connsumate host who ensured that his guests were having a great time no matter the setting.
RIP Rick- you will be missed.
Nan and David Lowe
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Blake Forsyth posted a condolence
Friday, May 26, 2023
I was asked by our Assistant Deputy Minister Dr. Dennis Psutka to contact Rick and see if he could find a Datsun 280 ZX. We found one at the Montreal Auction and delivered the car to Toronto. What we didn’t tell the Doctor was that the cars fancy voice commands and responses were in French.
It was hilarious and just like Rick to pull off a joke like that. Just another one of Ricks great stories
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John ( Monty J. 761 ) Montgomery uploaded photo(s)
Friday, May 26, 2023
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I'm sadden to here of my old partner passing. Back in the day, 1970 Rick left the RCMP and became an employee with Ottawa Ambulance Service. Later OCRAS. He was given the nick name " Duddly Do Right ". Rick later moved on to the Richmond / Kanata Ambulance Service. He was also An aero medical Attendant out of Carp Ontario. As an new employee with OAS., Rick was assigned to me as my new partner. Close to some thirty years together. We attended the first AEC class at Algonquin Course. Rick and I were often ask to out of town transfers. Ei: Left at four AM to Long Island New York USA. return twenty seven Hrs. Left five AM Royal Ottawa to Penetanguishene Ontario twenty five Hrs. Of the many transfer calls we did, one stands out the most. . Left at four AM to Montreal to the Sick Kids Hospital . Pick up mon and TRIPLES to returning home to MONBEAM Ontario. ( We forgot to bring ear plugs. ) Twenty two Hrs. Tired you might say that. Rick and I had a thing about pulling one over each other. A Picture is worth a thousand words. On numerous occasions Rick would get me to drive some of his used cars down to Toronto to the auctions. My first time to drive a Corvette. Stay over night come back by train. He also help me by coming to Capital City Raceway. Looking back as we move on in life, the great memories are the thoughts that help us grieve the passing of. not only a love one, it is just as difficult to accept the passing of a friend that was part of our life. Rick you were a kind, gentleman with a good heart. Thank you for being part of mine. RIP. Monty J. 761 & don't you forget it.
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Joanne McGregor posted a condolence
Friday, May 26, 2023
I am very sad to hear of Rick’s passing. We had many great shifts together at Kanata Ambulance. We also had great times socializing at Paramedic parties, camping trips and car buying shenanigans.
Rick and I both share a love for animals and “doing the RIGHT THING”! We were sent on a call for pedestrian hit by a car. When we arrived on scene, it was a fawn that was hit by a car. Well, it was alive, it had a compound fracture of the hind leg AND Rick looked at me with big puppy dog eyes! So very quickly we talked everything over and made a decision that could have cost both of us our jobs….we were ok with that. We splinted the leg of the fawn, put her on the stretcher; I called dispatch and let them know we were Code 9 and that I would explain in about 30 minutes. I drove to the closest Veternarian office AND they were closed. So off to be next vet. They were open. I went in to explain “our situation” and we brought the fawn in through the back door (of course on the stretcher). No Rick and I already knew that if the fawn could be saved, we would find a barn to keep the fawn in while she recovered and we would split the vet bill. Unfortunately the fawn had to be put down. We stayed with her till she passed but both of us were touched deeply. We told dispatch after lol. We told our boss at a Christmas party many years after.
Rick, you were a great friend and you will be missed. RIP Jo
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Steve Leu posted a condolence
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Rick was a larger than life character who always had a huge compassionate side . I was fortunate to work alongside him in the Ottawa Area , and later meeting up at the summer home of Gananoque Marina . He will certainly be missed
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Elisabeth Hill posted a condolence
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Rick was one of my preceptors in 2001. He was a gentle giant, always looking out for me. Who would often tell his partner he was being to hard on me! They called me their lucky star because I brought shut outs to the shift. As a thank you I brought him a basket full of baked goods which he enjoyed throughout the day. He was a great role model and was empathetic to every patient we encountered. No judgement. He will be missed and my condolences to his family and friends.
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Kevin Newell posted a condolence
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Rick was a charming man and almost maniacally dedicated to his chosen profession trying hard to advance it.. I worked with Rick for many years, strangely much younger than him but as his “boss”. I never really felt like his boss when were interacting… He was a caring man and was quite simply a nice guy. The world is a smaller place now.
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Robert Davidson posted a condolence
Thursday, May 25, 2023
I worked many years with Rick at Ottawa Ambulance & then OCRAS. He was always a pleasure to work with & a great role model to us younger paramedics when we were starting out. Sending condolences on your loss. Robert Davidson
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Dave Swift posted a condolence
Thursday, May 25, 2023
As a respiratory therapist in emergency I often met Rick on patient transfer. He always treated the people under his care with amazing compassion and professionalism. No matter how grumpy we were, because of workload challenges, Rick brought a smile and light that made us look at where we were and realize that it was really not that bad. He seemed to be a natural life coach dropping little pearls of positivity.
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Mirko (Mark) Sevsek posted a condolence
Thursday, May 25, 2023
We meet Rick several years ago and Rick along with Pat welcomed us to their home on Howe Island. It was one of the most amazing experiences myself and Agnes have ever had. They were both so welcoming, hospitable, and loving in every way. Our deepest condolences. We will miss him so much.
May your hearts heal quickly.
Mirko and Agnes
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Adrianna Tansek posted a condolence
Thursday, May 25, 2023
I met Rick at a Work Christmas party years ago and he was as full of life as I heard from stories.
He was sweet,funny and I can tell full of love.
I heard the story from Patricia & Brandon but then hearing it from him was even more magical.
A sweet 1st date made an impression of him that will last forever. I only heard amazing things over the years and saw pictures of happiness and pictures of all the events and stories he had in his life in past and present.
He seemed like a sweet soul that is etched in everyone's memory of him,that will last forever.
An angel gone too early.
My prayers to the ones he left behind. He is definitely looking down and hoping everyone continues smiling
Xx Adrianna
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Dave Hallett posted a condolence
Thursday, May 25, 2023
I met Rick back in 1976 at Ottawa Ambulance. He made going to work in a high stress job fun. So many stories I could write a book. Although I hadn’t seen Rick for quite a few years, we were once quite close, my wife and I socialized with him and Lyette a lot back in the 90’s, summer bbq’s, winter dinners by the big fireplace at his ´´then’´ home on Oak Creek Road.
Oh yes, then there was the car sales. For many years you could make some extra money by working Ricks Wednesday shift on the ambulance, or if he expected to have a good day, you might get recruited to go with him to drive a car back to Ottawa. Everyone knew Wednesday is the big car auction in Montreal. Rick would do almost anything to not have to miss a day at the auction.
He was definitely one of the most easy going people I’ve ever met. He will be missed. RIP ´´Dudley’´
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Paul Michel uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, May 25, 2023
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My sincere condolences to Pat, Brandon, Magda and the family. I have very fond memories of Rick, all surrounding his love for boating, food and animals. RIP.
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Brandon Sobel uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, May 25, 2023
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Magda posted a condolence
Thursday, May 25, 2023
I still remember meeting Rick for the first time when Pat finally brought him over to the house (after their incredible first date - where Rick saved Pat's life - literally within hours of meeting)....It was fun giving him a hug because I had to get on my tip toes to reach around his neck - every time !!!....
Pat and Rick's relationship was a true love story from the beginning and it was so much fun seeing them fall in love and create an awesome life together. It was a blast hanging out at the Gan Marina on his boat and then taking off in the morning to the islands. I will cherish these memories. Thank you Rick for allowing me to experience the boating life with Pat and Brandon for so many summers.
Rick, you were extremely helpful with yard work at Pats house before you and Pat bought the home at Howe Island and we worked until the late evenings loading up the Gator and then driving it to the dump.... You loved driving that thing !!!! These evening always included laughs, tasty dinners, bottles of wine and you feeding Chico (Pat's Cockatiel) from your plate. There are just so many, great memories about you Rick.
I will forever be humbled and grateful to have met you Rick.
May your soul find peace and light and move through this phase with grace and love.
With love & blessings,
Magda
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The family of Rick Drew uploaded a photo
Thursday, May 25, 2023
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63 Garden Street
Phone: (613) 382-3088
Email: info@tompkinsfuneralhome.biz
63 Garden St. | Gananoque, ON K7G 2T8 | Phone: (613) 382-3088 | Fax: (613) 382-5362 | Email: info@tompkinsfuneralhome.biz
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