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Obituary of Richard YERBURGH
Richard YERBURGH
Richard (Rick) Eustre Brooke Yerburgh passed away peacefully at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, and love of family and community. Rick was the eldest son of Richard and Marjorie Yerburgh and the devoted husband of Patricia Ethel (Quail) Yerburgh and brother to the late Christopher (Tina) Yerburgh.
Rick was a loving father to the late Laurie (Ray) Hines, the late Colleen (Ron) Weis, and Judy (Craig) Wilson. He was a proud grandfather to Kyle Weis, Laine (Marcella) Wilson, and Hayden (Kelley) Wilson, and a cherished great-grandfather to Gia Wilson.
Born in Victoria, British Columbia, Rick was the son of an Anglican priest and, as a result, spent his childhood living in several communities across the province, including Oliver and Victoria. He completed his high school education in Fernie, B.C., where fate intervened at the local swimming pool—Rick met the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Ethel Quail.
After marrying, Rick and Pat moved to Vancouver to attend the University of British Columbia. Rick earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Social Science and Social Work. In 1963, Rick and Pat, along with their three daughters, moved from Vancouver to Kimberley and then settled permanently back in Fernie, where they raised their family and built deep roots in the community.
Rick embraced life fully and worked a variety of meaningful and interesting jobs over the years. These included working on tugboats around Vancouver Island, serving as a guard at Oakalla Prison, working as a probation officer, and ultimately dedicating himself to his calling as a social worker in Fernie.
A kind and generous man with a big heart, Rick had a deep love for the outdoors and the wilderness. He was an avid skier and camper and was a founding member of the Snow Valley Ski Hill Committee. Rick also attended the Royal Military College and later became a member of the Fernie Legion. He was an active community member and served for many years as a counselor at the Fernie town office, offering guidance and support to many.
Following the passing of his beloved wife Patricia, Rick chose to be closer to his grandchildren and spent the last ten years of his life in Coaldale, Alberta.
Rick will be remembered for his compassion, his commitment to helping others, his love of the outdoors, and his unwavering devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Rick’s celebration of life will be held at the Fernie Anglican Church in the Spring.
www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com
