MERCIER, Richard Gene
October 10, 1947 – July 19, 2022
Richard was born and raised in Winnipeg and after graduation he joined CFRS Radio, Simcoe, as the youngest radio announcer in Canada. In Winnipeg he owned and operated the Tuxedo Driving School and then eventually moved into the real estate field for 23 years. Richard was the Director of Sales and Management for Century 21 (Canada) in Edmonton, providing motivational speeches to 65 of the 85 offices.
During the Provincial election of 1977, Richard acted as Headquarters Chairman for his brother Gerry Mercier who won and went on to serve as Attorney General. In 1979 Richard became a candidate in the Federal Election under Trudeau. His mother was in quite the dilemma as she had to have a conservative sign on one side of the lawn and a liberal sign on the other side of the lawn.
Richard Married Sandra Gibson in 1985 and in 1986 they took a sabbatical for 6 months to travel through Europe on $50 a day, travelling to 7 countries. The highlight of the trip was in Rome where the Nuns told them how to get an aisle seat at the general audience with Pope John Paul II. As the Pope went by, he shook Richards hand, gave his blessing, espied Richards Canadian pin, took a step back and smiled “Ahh-Canada”.
Richard and Sandra moved to Kelowna in 1991 and opened their own Real Estate Firm, Save-On-Real Estate which proved very successful. Richard was always in the top 10 for sales in that area and nationally.
From 1997 to 2014 Richard and Sandra were proprietors of several country hotels where they met the heart of Canada. Upon retirement and unable to sit still, he started with the Sand Hills Casino near Carberry, Manitoba as part of the surveillance team. From there to Alberta and Stoney Nakoda Casino where he held several management positions over 6 years.
Richard was an avid golfer for many years. He was fortunate to get a hole in one during a tournament in Foremost and received a prize of $5,000.00. He enjoyed tournament bridge, poker with friends and all sports. Richard loved a new challenge always which he met with his sense of humor.
Richard is pre-deceased by his parents, Marjorie and Gerald and his sister Judy Johnson. He is survived by his wife Sandra Mercier, son Steven(Nichole), grandchildren Kate and Wren Davidson, his brother Gerry Mercier(MariLee) all of Winnipeg and his son Jonathan of Vancouver. You will be with me always Richard and Gigi will be so glad to see you. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home
cochrane@piersons.ca – 403-932-1039
So very sorry for your loss.
I had the pleasure of working with Richard for the last few years and I groaned at his jokes, enjoyed working on the crosswords with him during lunch breaks and snacking on ‘Bickies’ and Halloween chocolate bars.
I will miss him very much.
I hope your memories will help you during this time of grieving.
I didnt know Richard Sandra except through you and very sorry for your Loss and that of his Family and Yours . No words can express enough condolences but you have had a great journey in life with Richard , many adventures which you will hold close to your heart
Our deepest condolences to you Sandra. It was such a shock to see your post on Facebook!
We will always remember the fun times had at the Foremost Hotel with you guys but most especially the fantastic Christmas parties that we each took turns hosting. Lots of great memories were made.
It is so very hard to lose the ones we love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs
happyhealthy@shaw.ca
I’m so sorry for your loss Sandra I always liked Richard I thought he was a great guy.
We send huge hugs and sincere condolences to you, Sandra. The few times we were with you and Richard were fun times at the card table. Thinking of you often and please call if you need anything.