Richard Walter Gilder was born on Friday, December 30, 1949 in Toronto to Kenneth Charles and Florence Ruby (Swift) Gilder. Rick was the eldest of three, with younger brothers Ronald joining him in 1951 and Raymond in 1960. At the age of four, his family moved from Toronto to West Luther Twp., northeast of Arthur, where the family mixed farmed. By the age of five Rick was already assisting his parents and driving tractor, imagine! He attended S.S. #5 West Luther and proceeded to attend Arthur District High School. Following high school Rick attended Conestogo College, taking an electrical apprenticeship, completing all requirements in October of 1973. He soon became a proud member of Local 804 in Kitchener and worked for contractors all over the province.
In 1971 Rick married Carol Anne Wilson. He was welcomed with open arms into the large Wilson family. Rick or “Mr. Perfect” as he was often referred to by them was always well composed. The young couple soon settled in Guelph. In time they were the proud parents of Jason Richard, born on March 24, 1973 and Michelle Darlene, born on August 31, 1976. In 1985 they purchased a small 25 acre hobby farm in West Luther Township were Rick raised horses and highland cattle. He loved life on the farm, however, mowing the lawn was apparently not one of his favourite pastimes.
A lack of work led to an occupation change in 1979 whereby Rick began working in the insurance business in the Guelph, Brampton and Cambridge areas. This led to work as an Insurance Adjuster and Inspector as well as being a Marketing Representative. For the next twenty-three years, Rick laboured in this field. During this time he was also heavily involved in his community. He served as the President of the Arthur Kinsmen from 1982-1983, By-Law Enforcement Officer from 1992-1993, and from 1994-1999, Rick functioned as Municipal Councillor for the Township of West Luther as well as serving on the Amalgamation Committee. He further provided for his community as Master of the Masonic Lodge in 1996. This was just the tip of the iceberg for Rick as he was involved in many other community projects and functions over the years.
Rick treasured the fall months whereby he would often be found out enjoying nature. He rarely missed the opportunity to go out deer hunting. In the early years he hunted on his parent’s home farm with his father and brothers. Then in later years with his wife Lois, on her family home farm. His favourite place was always in the bush! Rick also enjoyed spending time camping with his family, particularly trips to Algonquin with Michelle; however, much of his free time was spent with his horses, as he treasured any time he could get out in nature for a horse ride. In fact, he fondly remembered buying an old saddle at the age of twelve with his brother for $65 and then the horse for $60. Given the price, the horse was wild and untrained, resulting in Rick taking two years to break him in. Amazingly, this did not deter Rick, but instead reaffirmed his love of animals.
Rick also enjoyed playing softball whereby I am told he was a solid first baseman. When it came to food Rick loved his steak, eggs and beans. He thoroughly loved watching old western movies and it was not uncommon for Rick to be reading two books at one time. His favourite authors were John Grisham, Stephen King, Louis L’Amour and John Clancy.
Sadly, in October of 2003 Carol suffered a severe brain aneurysm. She passed away on November 8 at the young age of 51. Rick was the first to admit that his wife’s sudden death weighed very heavily on him and he found the days and weeks that followed very difficult.
In August of 2004 Rick attended a Fiddle Contest in Shelburne, where he and Lois were introduced to each other by a mutual friend, Jim Beech. By September they began a loving relationship. They bought their home in Chesley in October of 2004 and were married under the apple tree in their backyard on July 2, 2005. Rick enjoyed working around the home and doing building projects. Lois had a country band and soon Rick was singing and playing guitar as a full member in the band. They enjoyed camping weekends with their many good friends, always playing music together. They drove to Texas, Florida and across Canada to Haida Gwaii for a two week stay, spending the nights in their PT cruiser. Last September they enjoyed a toured trip to England and Scotland. Rick’s philosophy was “let’s do it now while we still can.” Rick took pride in his appearance from his well-shaped cowboy hat and tidy shirt down to his shone cowboy boots. He was not a man just wearing a cowboy hat, he was a real cowboy. He had a great sense of humour and often enjoyed many good laughs with friends. He had respect for all, as his parents instilled in him the duty of always doing the right thing and be honourable.
He was witty, with a dry sense of humour that often brought laughter to those around him. He respected everyone he met and quickly gained the trust and friendship of his co-workers. He had a calm and soothing demeanour. He taught his children from a young age to respect others and encouraged them to “always do it to the best of your abilities.” His competitive nature often meant that he would never let up no matter his competitor. In fact, his children and grandchildren recall countless chess games whereby Rick forced them to earn their victories; and therefore, reinforcing to them the importance of a strong work ethic.
Sadly, Rick suffered a massive heart attack on Sunday, January 21, 2018 and died at the Chesley Hospital. He was 68.
Beloved husband of Lois (Hemstock). Loving father of Jason Gilder of Kitchener, Michelle (Jeff) Bauman of Mount Forest and Popa of Logan Gilder and Molly Zandstra. He will be missed by his brothers Ron (Patricia) of Angus and Ray (Cathy) of West Luther Township. Rick will be lovingly remembered by Lois’ children, Jesse (Heidi) of Tara and their children Hailey and Ayden, Colin of Haida Gwaii, B.C., Dawn (Eli) of Haida Gwaii, B.C., and their families. He will be sadly missed by the entire Hemstock family. Rick was predeceased by his first wife Carol (Wilson) and his parents Kenneth and Florence (Swift) Gilder.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Friday from 7 – 9 p.m. where a memorial service celebrating Rick’s life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 2 p.m.
Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
I am so sorry to hear about rick ,god be with you; through this difficult time my prayers are with lois and her family.i will be thinking about you and your families.
sorry for the loss of rick may the lord help you through this difficult time our prayers are with the family.john bleich and ken frank
Brother Rick was a quiet kind person and a pleasure to work with. Truly a light has gone out in the Brotherhood.
Our condolences .
Dear Gilder Family;
We send our deepest sympathy out to all of you. Hold the beautiful memories of Rick dear to your heart, may they bring you comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Lois & Family
Thinking of you.
Jason, Michelle, Lois and family
Our thoughts and prayers to all of you, we are so sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I’m away on holidays so will not be able to give you a hug, but know that my thoughts are with you, your children and families. Love to all
We are so sorry to hear about Rick. We heard the sad news from Lowell and Lynda. Are thoughts are with you and your families at this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of great sadness .
You have our sincere condolences.
Dan & Willaby
Lois – I was so shocked and saddened to read Rick’s obituary in the paper today. I worked with Rick for many years in the insurance industry and then our association renewed in later years when you and he would come into the Fromager Music store in Owen Sound where I was the music lesson co-ordinator.
I express my sincere sympathy to you and all of Rick’s family. He will be truly missed by all.
my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Rick Gilder. A wonderful person…I had the pleasure of working with and for him many times over the years and always enjoyed sharing a song or two with him as a musician.. Rest in peace, brother..
Dear Lois ,we are so sorry to hear of Rick’s death. Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. Our sympathy to you and all the family.
Dear Lois: John & I both feel shocked & saddened to hear of Rick’s sudden death. Rick was a wonderful man that we are going to miss. We are thankful we had the chance to spend good times together enjoying music & camping. You are in our thoughts.
Oh dear Lois! so sorry to hear of the passing of your true love!
sending our sincere condolences to you and the family , you are in our thoughts and prayers
love and hugs
Margie ( Gilchrist) and Roy xo
Dear Lois and family, so saddened to hear of Rick’s sudden passing, will miss him at the camping jams. Great guy, loved those hugs and kisses. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Love Wray and Leone.
To Lois and family: very sorry to hear about Rick passing away.. He was a great guy and was liked by everyone.
Lois so sorry to hear about Rick he was a nice guy, the first time Rick sang Karaoke was in our screen room in La Feria Texas and I said you can do this one and I put on Long Black Train and he never looked back , also all the good memories from Smoldering Pines we are sure going to miss him .
So sorry to hear of Ricks sudden passing, he was so full of love and laughter, a perfect match for you, Lois. God Bless you and your family
It is beyond believe of hear of Rick’s untimely passing. From the earlier days when you both met, to the memories and music we all shared and created over the years, they were wonderful days, and the memories will always live on in our hearts. Our deepest love and condolences go out to you Lois and your family and friends.
Lois and family, sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your husband. May all the wonderful memories help ease the pain. Our sympathy to all.
We are so sorry to hear of Ricks’ sudden passing, he was such a fine gentleman. Lois our hearts & thoughts are with you & family today.
We are sincerely sorry for your family’s loss. You are in our thoughts .
Darren and Nancy
Xo
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Lois and all of your family. Rick was well loved and respected by everybody.
Lois and families, so sorry to read of Rick,s passing.! My thoughts are with all your loved ones.
So very sorry Lois ! Our thoughts are with you during this sad time ! Hugs
To Lois and family our heart is broken to hear of Rick’s passing….words can not express how we feel…our memories will last forever as we had many good times …his singing my dad’s favourite song “the long black train” at our BBQ to the wonderful holiday last year together….our thoughts and prayers are sent to you with so much love …..till we see you soon hugs
Dear Lois, my deepest sympathy for your loss of such a great husband and friend. Also Condolences to all the family.
Such a shock, but he left all of us with the best of memories — and yes as Gary and Anne said above, he was great at the Long Black Train — # 1 on his special disc I believe. He was a great adopted brother. Hugs Lori Parkinson.
Lois and family,
We send our deepest condolences to you at this very difficult time. It was a real shock to learn of Rick’s passing. He was a ” true gentleman” and it was always a pleasure to chat with him. Rick will be missed by so many friends and family. May the fond memories give you strength in days ahead.
Lois I am so sorry to hear about Rick. I send you love and hugs at the difficult time.
Lois, so sorry to hear of your loss. You and Rick were such a great couple. Loved hearing Rick sing, “Long Black Train”. Our deepest sympathy and may memories help you thru this sad time.
My deepest condolenses go out to you and all of the Gilder family.
Rick, and brother Ron, went to school with me at the one room school house in West Luther which was on the corner of my family farm.
We spent many hours playing hockey on their farm when there was ice on it. Great memories that I haven’t thought about for many years.
My prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Don.
my deepest sympathy t Ray and Kathy and the Gilder family
Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family…we had such fun with both of you and will really miss Rick ..our thoughts and prayers with you all xo
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. You have our deepest sympathy.
Lois, We are so sorry to hear about Rick. Please know you are in our thoughts. Sending love and hugs to everyone. Lee Ann, Mark, Marlee, and Brian xoxo
My sincere condolences go out to Lois, Sister Dawn, and all Family.
We all knew Brother Rick. There are so many things come to mind about him. Simply he was a great guy. He was quiet, soft spoken, great listener, problem solver, music lover, a pleasure to work with or for, didn’t get too excited, knew how to hold his ground lol, composed, always more good things to say about people than bad, trustworthy, a good Union Brother, and all wrapped up into a fine human being. You could feel that around him. No question with that. He was guy you liked to talk too, always had a smile for you and made you feel glad to see you. Rick was out of the trade for a few years working with a mutual insurance company and my Dad was on that Farm Mutual Board. I often heard from Dad back then how the same qualities we enjoyed were also recognized by the mutual group while he did that work. No surprise there I would say to my father. He is a good man.
You will be missed greatly Brother Rick by so many. God Bless you.