We celebrate the life of Richard Alan Funnell, born in London, Ontario, who passed at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, Vancouver Island, Canada at the age of 70. Richard fought a courageous battle against metastasized cancer.
He lived a fulfilling life as an electrical engineering graduate from McGill University, Montreal. He was a visionary, general manager, senior business executive and inspiring leader in the high-tech sector. He was a strategic thinker and best known for his innovation skills. He was most passionate about collaborating and building diverse teams and creating and executing successful business strategies for large companies. He redefined what it meant to build teams.
Admired and respected by his staff, peers, and colleagues, his work spanned Ontario, Canada; London, England; Silicon Valley, California; and British Columbia, Canada.
Richard was a dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. He is survived by wife, Cynthia Mallen Funnell; three children, Sean Funnell, Scott Funnell and Kim Gault; brother Robert Funnell and sister Joan Woo; and four grandchildren, Ruby, Grace, Joanna, and Jamie; in-laws, Jocelyne Lauziere, Jimi Mallen, Kevin Mallen and Michele Mallen; nieces, Heidi Ridgway, Genevieve Funnell Lauziere, Kiearra Mallen, Kasey Whalley, Katrina Mallen, Kristy Mallen; and nephews, J L Mallen, Bryan Simpson, Shane Simpson and Deller Mallen.
Richard, a Mensa member, was a man of great intelligence, an avid problem solver and educator to many. No challenge was too great for him. He enjoyed boating, cars, biking, music, tools, wood-working, wine and reading. He loved tinkering in the garage for hours on end. He was also a gifted musician and enjoyed playing the trumpet, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and banjo at different times throughout his life.
He was a volunteer officer of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron Saanich Peninsula Unit for 14 years; in his younger years, he was a Second Lieutenant in the Canadian Officer Training Corps, Royal Canadian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers. He earned many business certifications throughout his career.
He surely loved spending time on the water in his boat and sitting on his ocean-view home deck with his wife and best friend of 30 years, Cynthia. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with. He will be missed by many.
“If you would like to make a donation to BC Cancer in memory of Richard, your contribution will go toward the Immunotherapy Program. It is the first option on the link page. Thank you.”
https://bccancerfoundation.com/ways-donate/gift-memory
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Jen Deal
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Amanda Deepest Condolences to you and your family.
We met him thirteen years ago and he was most helpful in finding us our home.
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Hedy Gonchar Cynthia I’m sending you late condolences as I only found out about Richard’s passing by doing some internet research. Your husband was one of my bosses at Xyratex and I still appreciate his encouragement in my work endeavors. He really was extraordinary and again, I’m sending my deepest condolences, if belated.
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Susan Howard Cynthia,
I’m so sorry about Richard. I only met him a couple of times and he was always warm and friendly.
Thinking of you,
Susan
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Kathleen & Bob Martinelli Dearest Cynthia, We were incredibly shocked and saddened to learn of Richard’s death. Know that we are praying for you and the family. He was truly your soulmate and best friend. The world has indeed lost a great person.
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Suzanne Vincent Dearest Cynthia, My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Although I never met Richard, I know he must’ve been an amazing man to capture your heart. I’d like to share this poem with you in the hope that it brings you some comfort. AS LONG AS HEARTS REMEMBER As long as hearts remember, As long as hearts still care, We never part with those we love, They’re with us everywhere. So many of our precious memories, Of those we hold dear, Bring peace and comfort to us now, And keep our loved one near. With love, Suzanne
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Dianne Comba Petersen Cynthia
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.Dianne Comba Petersen
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Rosemary Prawdzik Cynthia,
No matter the words, they cannot express my deep sympathy for your loss. I’m still reeling from the news of Richard’s passing…I think my heart skipped a beat. What a wonderful man and partner! And too soon gone from this world. I will never forget Richard’s warmth, kindness, and Joie de Vivre and I’m so glad to have motored the waters with him. He is remembered fondly… and always will be. I am so sorry, truly.
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Catherine Brown Dear Cynthia
I was saddened by the news of Richard passing. A great loss for you and your family.
Richard created a legacy that will live forever and you were part of it.
So that will bind you together for always.
Catherine Brown
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Jessica Tatlow Cynthia and family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of the wonderfully kind and passionate Richard. Richard gave me my first real chance in my career, and in Victoria, for which I am forever grateful. He was a great mentor; we would always lose track of time talking about McGill, marketing, family, and work. I’ll miss our catch-ups.
My thought are with you.
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Catherine Bescape Dear Cynthia and family,
I am profoundly saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. Cynthia please accept my condolences for your great loss.
Richard was a man of great accomplishments, I came to know him 15 years ago as one of my clients, throughout these years mutual interests such as boating, dogs, real estate and business entrepreneurship were just a few topics of discussion. Richard always took the time to listen and advise with kindness, acute intelligence and the willingness to help me. I will always be grateful, so thankful that our paths crossed. Richard rock on with the best of them!
Sincerely, Catherine & Dominique
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Stephanie Peat Dear Cynthia and Family,
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I’m shocked and incredibly saddened to hear the news of Richard’s passing. Richard was such a kind and generous man who was highly intelligent and a very deep thinker. No challenge was too great for Richard to conquer and ultimately, solve. He loved his family deeply.
He was such an incredible mentor to me and others at DFH Real Estate. I looked forward to our lively conversations about the inner workings of the business of real estate, and life in general. I always valued his opinion. He was one of a kind and will be missed.
May you take comfort in the sweet memories you hold in your heart.
Stephanie Peat
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Bonnie & Rudy Kieffer Dear Cynthia, Our hearts go out to you & your family. We were very saddened to hear about Richard. May beautiful memories always be with you. Love Bonnie & Rudy
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Irfane Fancey Dear Cynthia and family,
Our deepest condolences to you all for your loss and in your time of grief.
Irfane and Naznean Fancey
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Branka and Geoff Wilmshurst Dear Cynthia,
Branka and I want to extend our deepest sympathies on the loss of Richard. Branka thought of Richard as one her best work leaders and helped her to set her career path for which she will be always grateful.
Our thoughts are with you and Richard’s family at this time.
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Catherine Olchowy Cynthia and Family,
Richard was one of my favourite people. He taught me a lot about marketing, leadership and coffee consumption. I know it doesn’t really mean a whole lot in the midst of your grief but I want to assure you his working legacy is deep and rich. He taught everyone he came into contact with and there are many today making use of the expertise, kindness and perspective he shared with us. And, he always lit up whenever one of you (his family) came up. He is a role model for me and I know he is for others too. My deepest condolences.
-Catherine Olchowy
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Natalie Fisher Richard was a great guy, so helpful, kind and incredibly smart. He will be missed.
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Wendy Herrick Dear Cynthia and Family,
I was so shocked to read your email. I have some very fond memories of Richard when we worked together at DFH Real Estate. He was a very intelligent, caring man, who always enjoyed a funny story. I’ll be in touch with you in the near future.
Gone too soon,
Wendy Herrick
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Sawsan Masri Dear Cynthia and family,
Saad and I are so shocked and saddened by the news of Richard’s passing.
Our sincere condolences go to you.Saad and Sawsan Masri
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Heather Harmon Dear Cynthia and family,
Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family. You have each other and your memories of Richard to help you through this difficult time.
Hugs going out to you,
Heather and Syd
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joyce hodd Cynthia, Ralph and I are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Richard.
We will all miss him Cynthia; a light has gone out in the world. RIP Richard
R+J Hodd
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Rick caldwell Our deepest condolences. Richard was a great person and friend .. Thought of often .. Rick and Joan
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Linda Beller Dear Cynthia and family, I am so sorry for the passing of Richard, your husband and best friend, father and grandfather. We met him briefly 8 years ago and enjoyed his sense of humour and wit. Your friends surround you Cynthia with love.
With love,
Linda
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Mark Wright Dear Cynthia and Family,
Mark and I will miss seeing Richard as he had such a zest for life! Our
Sincere Condolences to you and your Family at this time.Sincerely,
Mark and Maria Wright
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Moe Buck Dear Cynthia and family,
Sending heartfelt condolences to all of you.
With respect and love,
Moe Buck
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Chere Nawroth My heart goes out to you and your family, Cynthia.
What an extraordinary man to have shared so many years with. Please accept my deepest condolences. Chere
I shared my condolences 2 years ago with Cynthia when Richard passed. I came across her note today of his passing, and I’m still saddened by the loss of a bright soul. I read the wonderful words on this page- all true- and cannot add more value to them. I will simply state, “You are missed, Richard,” and continue to be inspired by his impact on so many lives and the role model he was by examples of leadership, kindness, and friendship.