Richard John Gainford

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, Richard Gainford, on September 9, 2026, at the age of 78. Richard went home to be with his Lord and Saviour and reunite with his beloved wife, surrounded by his loving family, following a short but valiant battle with Stage 4 lung cancer.

Beloved husband of the late Rita Gainford, Richard was born on March 29, 1948, in Brockville, Ontario. He was the youngest son of the late Joseph and Lola Gainford and the baby of 11 siblings, who loved to dote on him.

Richard was a beloved father to Rick (Kathleen), Sarah, Shaun (Julie), and Megan, and a proud Opa to 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, of whom he was extremely proud.

Richard is also survived by his siblings Shirley, Margaret (Paul, who is 90), Helen, and Diane (Terry); brothers- and sisters-in-law Bob (Deb), Casey (Glenda), Pat (Bill), and Lorraine; father-in-law Bill VanNiedek; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Richard was predeceased by his loving wife, Rita; sons Ian and Jeff; his parents, Joseph and Lola; numerous siblings; and his mother-in-law, Gracie VanNiedek, whom he adored.

A longtime resident of Fort Macleod and Lethbridge, Richard was raised on a small dairy farm just outside of Caintown, Ontario, before moving to Western Canada at the age of 18 to join the Air Force, where he was stationed at 19 Wing Comox, B.C. Following his honourable discharge as a Private, Richard returned to Ontario, where he met his soulmate, Rita, after she pushed him off a dock and nearly drowned him in Lower Beverly Lake.

Dad and Mom met in June 1973 and were married in November of the same year. They spent 51 wonderful years together, raising six children and enjoying many adventures along the way.

Dad was a generously kind man, often to a fault, with a strong work ethic. Throughout his life, he held many different roles, including working as a beekeeper for many years. His last position was as a fabricator at Triple M, which was a perfect fit considering what a perfectionist he was.

After retirement, Dad became a full-time caregiver for our mother as her health declined, caring for her right up until her passing in 2024.

When Dad was not taking care of Mom, his hobbies included bowling, where he developed many friendships, and playing horseshoes, where the rules somehow conveniently changed whenever it was his turn to throw. But his true passion was genealogy. He spent years researching the Gainford family name, discovering his roots, who his ancestors were, and where they came from.

Whenever family would get together, with his chest proudly stuck out, Dad would excitedly share what he had discovered. He was extremely proud to learn that he was a descendant of United Empire Loyalists and could talk about it for hours over a hot cup of coffee.

Our father spent his life giving to others, and even during trials and tribulations, he was always concerned about how everyone else was doing. Before his diagnosis, he received a pin from Canadian Blood Services recognizing him for more than 50 blood donations, which he proudly displayed.

The loss of our loving father is difficult, but we take comfort in knowing in our hearts that he is safe in the loving hands of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, reunited with his beloved wife and the family members who have gone before him.

John 3:16 ;

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Lethbridge Regional Hospital, Ward 4B, and the staff at Piyami Place in Picture Butte for the care and compassion shown to our father during his final days. You are all truly angels among us.

A private family service will be held to honour and remember our father.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s memory to the Lethbridge Mental Health and Addiction Program or the Lethbridge Interfaith Foodbank are gratefully appreciated.

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