Richard Thomas Small

Small, Richard Thomas
September 25, 1943 – March 2, 2016

Richard Thomas Small passed away peacefully with his four children and brother by his side on Wednesday March 2, 2016 at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario.

Our family would like to thank everyone for their thoughtful condolences during this difficult time.

Rick was born in Lorretteville, Quebec and raised in Painswick at the old farm house that still stands today, beside the railroad bridge on Coxmill Road. He was a graduate of Barrie Central Collegiate and afterwards started an apprenticeship in Masonry for four years. He started his own company as “Rick Small Masonry” from 1966-2010. His craftsmanship in residential and commercial still stands today around Barrie and Simcoe County.

Richard was semi-retired as a custodian for the Simcoe County District School Board and more recently at Earnest Cumberland Elementary School in Alliston, Ontario.

As some of you are aware, Rick did not like large crowds or being the center of attention. He would prefer to sit quietly one on one drinking a Tim Horton’s coffee and chat or reminisce about the old days. One of his favourite sayings was “what a hoot”.

Rick’s wishes are that things be kept simple, so we will respect this and instead of a service we will have a celebration of life at a later date.

Rick is survived by his common-law spouse Patty Sharpe, his children John (Lisa), Tom (Serena), Lisa (Ricky), Ron (Chandrika) and his eight grandchildren. His siblings Rodney, Robert (Dorothy), Earl (Teresa), Ed (Carol), Brian (Nancy), Bill and Patricia.

Rick is predeceased by his parents Harold and Thelma, his brother Peter, sister-in-law Louise and his first spouse Marie.

Hold your loved ones tight, never go a day without telling them you love them, put your differences aside and never take it for granted that they will always be here.