Richard Small

Richard Alan Small

1957 - 2025

Share Your Memory of
Richard

Obituary of Richard Alan Small

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Small on January 24, 2025, at the age of 68. Born in Hamilton on January 15, 1957, Rick lived most of his life in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Guelph. Since 2020, Rick courageously dealt with rectal cancer and subsequent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. His optimism, humour, and patience aided in his journey. Rick was a loving husband to Karen Cassidy for 45 years. In addition, Rick was a proud and caring father to his daughters Laura Cassidy-Small and Nicole Cassidy-Small.

Rick is predeceased by his parents Barbara and Ronald Small and his sister Cathy McGraw (John). He is survived by his siblings Gordon Small (Lynne Scott), Wendy Woolrich, Janet Orr (Kevin), Lee Czech, and many nephews and nieces.

Predeceased by his father-in-law Neil Cassidy, mother-in-law Muriel Cassidy. Survived by brother-in-law Jim Cassidy (Sharon), (Adam, Michelle), sister-in-law Nancy (nee Cassidy) (Randy) Doucette, and their son Scott Doucette (Shereen), nephew-in-law Scott Doucette (Shereen) and their son Mason, and sister-in-law Jane Cassidy-Fraser.

Before Rick became a busy parent, he volunteered for many years as an Advisor at Junior Achievement. Later, when Laura began Sunday School, Rick also joined St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. As an active church member, he sat on several committees over the years. Rick also volunteered with KCI High School and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Breakfast Program.

When COVID and his cancer diagnosis prevented Rick from attending church in person, he joined services through zoom. The community the church provided was important to Rick.

Rick enjoyed many summers at cottages in Port Elgin and Brockville, golfing, cross-country skiing and family dinners with his in-laws. Rick was an avid coin collector.

Rick was employed in retail at Sears and The Bay, for 19 years. He particularly liked his role as Operation Manager at Augsburg Fortress where he worked for 24 years until the company closed in 2009. Rick also enjoyed the travel opportunities across Canada and the United States. He also made lifelong friends with many co-workers. Rick’s last employment was at Parasource in Paris, Ontario, from 2016 until the company closed in 2023. Rick enjoyed his work duties and appreciated the support of the owners and co-workers when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Rick’s family appreciated all the medical support provided from Para Med Homecare, GRH Cancer Clinic, Dr. Valdez and Dr. C, and from Innisfree House, where comfort, dignity and support were compassionately provided. Truly valued is the ongoing love and care from many wonderful friends, neighbours and family.

Service will be held at Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 Willow St, Waterloo, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Donations to Innisfree House, and Trillium Lutheran Church can be made at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St South, Waterloo, or at www.erbgood.com

In honour of Rick, and his spirit of giving and generosity, his family asks that you take a moment today to help someone in need, to compliment someone, and to appreciate the beauty and goodness in this world.

Thursday
30
January

Funeral Service

11:00 am
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Trillium Lutheran Church (formerly St. John's Lutheran Church)
22 Willow Street
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada