July 11, 1953 - August 24, 2021
In Loving Memory of Richard William Armstrong ~ With heavy hearts the Armstrong family announces the passing of Rick Armstrong on August 24, 2021 in his 68th year, at Trail Regional Hospital.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years Donna; his 5 children, Rob Armstrong (Natasha), Jennifer Marcotte (Jeremy), Daniel Armstrong (Wendy), Erik Armstrong (Michelle), and Mari Bodden (Sam); his 4 brothers and 2 sisters and their families; and will be dearly missed by his 10 (and counting) grandchildren; and many more who loved him.
Rick was born on July 11, 1953 in Revelstoke, to Dr. William Armstrong and Mrs. Therese Armstrong (both now deceased). He grew up in Revelstoke and Rossland where he excelled at sports, especially track-and-field and basketball.
After many moves, one for each of his 5 kids, the family finally settled in Castlegar where he spent the last 35 years. Rick's family was everything to him and he always showed up. He passed on his love of sports to his own kids and was often found on the sidelines of a basketball or softball game, cheering them on, or even coaching them, should the league need him.
This was true for his grandkids as well, and he was so proud of all of them. Rick was a fisherman, an outdoor enthusiast, a phenomenal bread baker, a chocolate cake maker/connoisseur, and a fighter to the end.
Despite the many challenges Rick faced, he never complained, and he always found a way to make a joke. He will be remembered for his excellent (and sometimes hilariously crass) sense of humour in every situation, as well as his incredible strength, resilience, and humility. He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him well.
The Armstrong family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the many doctors and nurses at Kelowna General Hospital and Trail Regional Hospital, as well as the BC Air Ambulance for all the excellent, life-saving care Rick received over the past 5+ years. They are eternally grateful for the extra time and memories they got to have with Rick.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and an immediate-family-only memorial service was held in Castlegar on August 30, 2021, with a BBQ celebration to follow, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Canadian Lung Association are appreciated by the family, perhaps with a nice piece of chocolate in hand, in Rick's honour.