With heavy hearts, we said goodbye to Glyn Richards, who passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, at the age of 99.

Glyn was born on June 26, 1925 in Bedwas, Gwent, Wales, to Charles and Vera (Rose) Richards. He was the eldest of 4 boys. Glyn left school at 14 to work in the local coal mine, and trained as an electrician.

In 1949, after the war, the family emigrated to Canada, making their way to Alberta, where an uncle and his brother Derek were farming. His family settled in Spirit River, and Glyn trained at SAIT to complete becoming an electrician. He then settled in Grande Prairie, where he began working for Whitlock and Sons Electric.

After travelling to Spirit River to visit his family, he attended a dance where he met the love of his life, Annie Bondar. The pair married October 8, 1952, and settled in Grande Prairie. They welcomed four children: Alwyn (1954), Byron (1958), Janice (1961), and Shannon (1969). Family was everything to Glyn, and they enjoyed many camping trips throughout the years, including cherished trips with their grandchildren. The kids always thought Grandpa could repair anything. He definitely was Mr. Fix-It! Fishing was always a passion for Glyn, as was cheering for the Edmonton Oilers. Singing and dancing were also one of his greatest joys – he loved singing solos and being part of the choir at church. He and Anne also attended many dances and enjoyed round dancing in their retirement. During this time, the two did a lot of camping with friends, and took a hot holiday every winter until he was nearly 90.

Glyn is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Annie, children: Alwyn (Sylvia) Richards, Byron Richards, Janice (Rob) Lucas, and Shannon (Steve) Desfosses. Also mourning his loss are his grandchildren Alison Richards, Andrew Richards, Kathleen Wheeler, Sean (Lisa) Wheeler, Stefan Wheeler, and Kyle Desfosses, and brothers David (Joan) Richards and Michael Richards, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends.

The family would like to extend thanks to all the amazing nurses on Units 23, 22, and 12, that helped care for Dad as well as the physiotherapists, speech-language pathologist Jessie (who he loved), and the staff at MacKenzie Place.

A celebration of Glyn’s life will be held on Friday, January 31^st, 2025 at 10:30 AM at:            Forbes Presbyterian Church, 9635 – 76 avenue, Grande Prairie, AB.  A light lunch will be served following the service.

“It was a life well lived.”

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bcfh.ca

• Date : 2025-01-24
• Location : Grande Prairie, AB

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