Richard Elstad

Richard ‘Ricky’ Elstad was Rocky Mountain born and raised. Born in Kimberely, grown in Jaffray and lived most of his adult days in Cranbrook BC. Richard had a great love of the Kootenys and made sure that he was always in the ‘know’ of what was happening or going to happen in the future around the area. He stayed up to date on the ‘buzz’ but also maintained his knowledge history and importance of the past. Richard loved technology, new experiences and great community events. Hockey was the sport that he followed the most, especially the Vancouver Canucks but when the season was over he switched jerseys- he was quite a baseball fan as well. He loved music of all genres and he loved to have it surrounding him much of the time. If he did not have it playing or it was not available where he was – you would hear him making up for it with his humming.

Richard was connected to many people through his involvement in community events, social groups and services, volunteer and advocacy committees as well as businesses he frequented. He remained a spiritual person although he did not always remain dedicated to one religious community.

Once Richard met and liked you- you were a person that he would not forget and often you would be added to his ever growing list of adopted family members-he had many adopted sisters out there! If he thought you and he had shared an experience he would remind you of this the very next time he saw you- if you didn’t remember it the same fashion, he would do his best to convince you. Once a connection had been established large or small, it became an important link for connection, community and citizenship.

Although Richard adopted many sisters- he actually only had one little sister – Karen Shirley who was his only sibling. Richard was the only son of Rolf and Lily Elstad, who met and married in Banff Ab. and moved to Kimberely where they raised their two children.

Richard was predeceased by his Father Rolf Elstad, Mother Lilian Elstad (nee Damstom), Sister Karen Shirely Taylor(nee Elstad) and Brother in law Oran Taylor.

Richard is survived by his three nieces; Kerry Taylor-Johnson(nee Taylor) husband Ross Johnson, Kama O’Grady(nee Taylor) Husband Jon O’grady, Krista Woodske(nee taylor) husband Daren Woodske. His Great nephews and nieces: Zachary (Dominique), Bryce(Taylor), Ryley(Kelsey), Shanda(Nathaniel), Kieran(Ernest), Bowen(Zaya), Mitchell (Brooke) Chase(Aoife). Great Great nephews and nieces: Sawyer, Kennedy, Ellenor, Dean, Ava, Nelson, Asher and Ileigh. Richard also has many natural cousins and ‘adopted’ cousins that also survive him.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service in Richard’s aka Ricky’s memory at 11:00am on Friday May 23^rd 2025 at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook.

Memorial donations can be made to Canadian Mental Health Association, better known as CMHA.