Obituary of Dick Abrams

Richard “Dick” Gary Abrams

1939 – 2023

Richard "Dick" Abrams of Gananoque passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on the morning of June 6, 2023, at Carveth Care Centre, Gananoque.

 Born in Kingston on June 25,1939, he and his sister Carole were raised by his late parents Juanita and Jack Abrams. Dick enjoyed his early education at a one room school on the Middle Road.

 In 1963, he married the love of his life, Nancy, whom he met at Gananoque High School, and raised three children - Jonathan, David and Jennifer - living on the St. Lawrence River west of beautiful town of Gananoque.

Richard completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history and geography at Queen’s University in 1971 while pursuing a career in education. A highly respected teacher, vice principal and principal, through 33 years of service at elementary schools in Scarborough and the Gananoque area, his dedication to education was rooted in the conviction that teachers can affect eternity - they can never tell where their influence ends.

He was a beloved and supportive father and grandfather, always very proud of his family, passionate about life and the lives of others. He is described by students, former colleagues and friends as a humble, caring and kind gentleman, always with a smile, who had time for everyone. He adored family, serving his community and church, fellowship of Lions, Masonic and Shrine associates, campfire songs, fishing with his buddies, a good joke, and every single moment he spent on the St. Lawrence River with family and friends aboard “Cope-a-setic”- his cherished boat.

Among his many life accomplishments, Richard served as CEO and Potentate of Tunis Shrine in Ottawa and on the Board of Governors of Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, received the “Distinguished Service Medal” from the Royal Arch Masons of Canada and was named a “Melvin Jones Fellow” by Lions Club International Foundation.

Richard is survived by his wife Nancy (Scott), his son Jonathan (Kelly), grandchildren Jack and Megan, his son David (Carolien), Madison and Morgan and daughter Jennifer, his sister Carole Johnston (Melvyn), his brother-in-law Paul Scott (Carolyn), numerous nieces and nephews and his aunt, Wanda Garrah (Ron).

The family invites friends to join them in celebrating his life and honouring his memory. Visitation will take place on Wednesday June 28, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Tompkins Funeral Home, Gananoque.  A Memorial service will follow on Thursday June 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace United Church, with lunch and refreshments afterwards at the Gananoque Curling Club.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to staff at Carveth Care Centre, Providence Manor, Care Partners, Bayshore Home Health and Dr. Al Maitland for their professional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Shriner's Hospitals of Canada, Grace United Church, The Alzheimer's Society of Lanark County or to the Charity of your Choice would be appreciated by the family.

To view the service online, please go to Grace United Church Gananoque - YouTube  just prior to service time and click on the service for Dick Abrams.