Galbraith, Richard Allan 'Rick'

September 21, 1951 – October 21st 2024

On October 21st, 2024 Richard ‘Rick’ Galbraith returned to the Universe. After a decade-long struggle with Parkinson’s, he chose to leave this world on his own terms, surrounded by those he loved. Now, he is free of a body that no longer served him, finding peace and dignity in his final moments thanks to the compassionate care of the MAID team.

Born in 1951 to Bud and Flo Galbraith, Rick was the eldest of five siblings. He leaves behind Doug Galbraith (and late partner Jillian), Nancy Galbraith, Wendy Morley (and late partner John), and Rob Galbraith (partner Troy), along with a large and loving family of nieces, nephews, and their children.

Rick had an enduring love of sports, playing hockey and football competitively throughout his life. He played varsity football at Wilfrid Laurier University (then Waterloo Lutheran University) and later shared his passion for sports in his career as a physical education teacher. He eventually transitioned to teaching Grade 7 and 8 at Meaford Community School before becoming a vice principal and principal, retiring in 2006 as the principal of the same school. His commitment to his community extended into his retirement, as he found joy in volunteering and serving as Meaford Rotary President.

Rick met the love of his life, Lynda, on the dance floor in the early ’70s, and together they danced their way through life until her passing in 2007. They raised their daughter Lisa with a spirit of joy, empathy, and fun, values they shared with everyone who gathered around their dinner table. Saturday nights were always filled with music, laughter, good food, and flowing wine.

Rick will be deeply missed by his daughter Lisa, her husband Ken, and their two boys, Will and Nate. As we remember Rick, we imagine him reuniting with Lynda and all those who went before, dancing in joy once again.

A celebration of Rick’s life will take place on November 9th at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Church Anglican in Meaford, followed by a gathering at Meaford Town Hall.

In Rick’s honor, let us celebrate a life well-lived with laughter, love, and the fondest memories of a remarkable man.

Donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation of Canada would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON   N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca

Details

A celebration of Rick’s life will take place on November 9th at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Church Anglican in Meaford, followed by a gathering at Meaford Town Hall.

Make a donation in memory of Richard Allan 'Rick' Galbraith

Donations: Parkinson's Foundation of Canada
Donate with the following link(s)
https://donate.parkinson.ca/site/Donation2?df_id=5680&mfc_pref=T&5680.donation=form1
Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home


Memories & Messages of condolence

  1. Kathie Decoste
    Friday, October 25, 2024

    Dear Lisa and the Galbraith family.
    My heart goes out to all of you mourning Rick. He is at peace and once again dancing with Lynda. My husband David (passed away in 2001) and I enjoyed many many evenings of good food, good conversation and good music with Rick and Lynda and others. He will be missed by many in the community.

    Reply
    1. Lisa Boate
      Tuesday, October 29, 2024

      Thank you for your kind words Kathie. I have great memories of you and David and the rest of the gang around the table laughing. It helps to know my Mom and Dad are reunited with good friends, laughing again

      Reply
  2. Lorraine and Al Morrow
    Friday, October 25, 2024

    We send our deepest condolences to you Lisa and your family. We were so very sad to learn of Rick’s passing. We remember well when he and your Mom first came to the area and he started teaching at Dawnview. A couple of years ago, Rick stopped by and we had a lovely visit. This was shortly after he had been diagnosed. He didn’t talk much about his health, but he seemed at peace. We will cherish our memories of both your parents. Hopefully you likewise will hold all the good memories in your heart.
    With love…. Lorraine and Al Morrow (Hanover)

    Reply
    1. Lisa Boate
      Tuesday, October 29, 2024

      Thank you for your kind words Al and Lorraine, I remember how much your friendship meant to my Mom and Dad.

      Reply
  3. Sue Lake
    Friday, October 25, 2024

    Lisa, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom and dad were both wonderful and caring people. All the best to you and your family.

    Reply
    1. Lisa Boate
      Tuesday, October 29, 2024

      Thank you for your kindness Sue, I appreciate hearing other people’s memories of my family.

      Reply
  4. Dr. Michael E Bourke
    Friday, October 25, 2024

    Lisa and family,
    Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Rick.
    His genuine kindness and wisdom was so apparent even in his youth, as we also knew him then. We will miss our back and forth communications in later years, his welcome surprise windsurfer visits to our place on Trout Lake, dinners on the island with his favourite porchetta, star gazing, and yes philosophical discussions with him and Lynda.
    We are comforted that he has found peace after these recent challenging years.
    Dr. Michael Bourke and Catherine Bourke (Martyn)

    Reply
  5. Rosanne Gallinger
    Friday, October 25, 2024

    My condolences to Rick’s family. He was a great colleague. I had the pleasure of working with him on a couple of committees and always enjoyed his humour and wealth of knowledge. A true gentleman.

    Reply
  6. Ken Ahronson
    Saturday, October 26, 2024

    So sorry to hear of Rick’s health struggles and his passing. I remember Ricky as the outstanding QB of the Senior football team at Algonquin Composite School where I coached the junior team. He was a joy to watch and was loved and admired by the entire ACS community. RIP Rick and condolences especially to younger brother Doug who I taught.
    Ken

    Reply
  7. Claude Brunette
    Saturday, October 26, 2024

    To the Galbraith family our sincere and deepest condolences. Rick was the epitome of a true gentleman. He was my Buddy all through high school. Rick was our leader on the football field as our quarterback. He also excellent at hockey and track. Many laughs and fun times going to dances and waterskiing at the cottage along with the many parties there. He wore his heart on his sleeve and always had your back, like a true friend. We will remember you forever Rick, may you rest in peace my friend.
    Claude and Nat Brunette

    Reply
  8. Ken Leggett
    Saturday, October 26, 2024

    Old football and hockey teammate RIP Rick

    Reply
  9. Gail Rows
    Sunday, October 27, 2024

    Lisa and family: So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I have fond memories of him and your Mom at 53rd weekend. He was a wonderful teacher and both my boys enjoyed his classes. He is now at peace and with your Mom. May your wonderful memories of him give you comfort in the coming days

    Reply
  10. Marcia Burley & Peter Potts
    Sunday, October 27, 2024

    To Lisa & family,
    Peter & I send you all are most sincere condolences with the recent passing of Rick. Our best memories are when Lynda & Rick hosted amazing dinners in their perfect log home on “The Duxbury”! The food, the table setting & the wines were always amazing. Not to mention the collection of “Story Tellers!” We will hold these treasured memories forever in our hearts.

    Reply
  11. John & Sheila Kleinikkink
    Monday, October 28, 2024

    Our condolences with the passing of one of the cousins on my mother’s side of the family Dahms. He arranged a Family Reunion and was amazing. John and Sheila

    Reply
  12. Elizabeth Park
    Monday, October 28, 2024

    Lisa and family,

    I was so very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I met both your parents many years ago when Rick and I were teaching at MCS. Over the years, we would run into each other at various town and educational functions. It was always a pleasure to spend time chatting with them. Rick was a gentle, thoughtful person and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s must have been a terrible blow. My sincere condolences, Lisa. May your fond memories help to sustain you at this very difficult time.

    Reply
  13. Sharon Woodhouse
    Monday, October 28, 2024

    Dear Lisa and Ken and Galbraith family.
    I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I remember great time at delicious dinners, fun conversations and “ good friends being together”. Rick is happier now with the freedom of the disease that took over his body far too young. We will miss him but we know he is at peace now. I hope your fond memories surround you though the difficult days.

    Hugs Sharon Woodhouse

    Reply
  14. Joanne Clement
    Wednesday, October 30, 2024

    Meaford Rotary has lost a great Rotarian. Rick lived a life exemplified by the Rotary Motto of “Service Above Self”. He will be fondly remembered as a kind gentleman . Yours in Rotary
    Joanne

    Reply

Leave a memory or message of condolence:

Please note: To ensure privacy and respect for the families we serve, your message won't be published until we can review it. We'll do this as soon as possible, but there will be a delay before your message appears. Your name will appear with your message, but we won't publish your email address.

Scroll to top