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.
