Rick was born on March 27, 1950 in Stettler, Alberta to his parents Fred and Joan Shoemaker. He passed away on March 16, 2013, just days before his sixty-third birthday. Rick took his schooling at Meeting Creek and Edberg, Alberta. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces, serving his country as a Military Policeman. He was stationed in Bagotville, Quebec, for several years, and then transferred to Beaverlodge, Alberta. When he retired from the military he went to work at the pulp mill in Grande Prairie. Following a dream to become an electrician, Rick set about taking further schooling to achieve that goal. His love for the mountains drew him to Canmore, Alberta, where he started his own electrical company. In time, Rick returned to Grande Prairie and used his skills as a Master Electrician in the oilfield industry. He was passionate about his job, enjoying every single aspect of it. Over the years, beginning from when he was just a young boy working on the family farm, Rick’s work ethic was something to be admired. On May 25th, 1985, Rick married his soulmate, Beth Hauger. With daughter Jody, they built a wonderful life together filled with many precious memories. Rick had a quick wit and quirky sense of humour. He had the gift of finding the funny side in many everyday situations, and kept that sense of humour through all of life’s tribulations. Rick also had a real talent for writing. He more than once stated that when he sat down at his keyboard, he rarely had anything in particular on his mind to write about. But, the words would come to him, and they touched the hearts and minds of those who read them. Memories from Wayne: To my brother Rick, I think back to all the adventures we went on; from checking all the corners of the farm with Trudy and Joan, a few years later camping and fishing in Quebec, then visiting Canmore there were many after-supper hikes we all went on. To top it off (no pun intended), the climbing of Lady McDonald with Beth, Jody, Dianne, and Ryan. Too many wonderful memories to mention but each and every one is something I will always cherish. Of the many times we went skiing at Sunshine Village, there is one time that really stands out in my mind. Rick and I (both wearing toques) were next up at the chairlift when the girl working there asked “are you two twins?”….Rick found this hilarious….as I’m explaining that my twin is nine years older than me…..we all had a good laugh. Well, maybe them more so. I will miss you, dear brother. Memories from Trudy and Joan: Rick was a mischievous daredevil! He would climb to the very top of the windmill, and encourage his two trusting younger sisters to follow him. Believing that big brother always knew best, up we went. The view was amazing but when we looked down we were too scared to move. Rick had to figure out a was to talk us down, because until his sisters moved, he was stuck at the top. Then there was the time that we decided to go tobagganing down a very steep hill. Sitting down on the sled would have been too tame, so Rick, our cousin Allen, Trudy and Joan all stood up on the tobaggan with little Wayne seated at the helm. Off we went! It was smooth sailing until we hit a big bump, and we went flying. We all had a few injuries, but what an awesome ride! Our adventures also took us to the water. Rick decided to try out his carpentry skills and build a raft. It was a fine raft, held together well with sturdy twine, but nobody told him that green trees don’t float! As we all piled on and set off across the slough, we got that sinking sensation. Captain Rick managed to get us all back safely to shore. Growing up with Rick as our big brother was a blessing and we will hold all the precious memories in our hearts forever. Rick is survived and sadly missed by his loving wife, Beth; daugher Jody (Alaa) Azooz; granddaughter, Bailey; grandson, Aimyn; sisters Trudy (Jim) Bailey, Joan (Rick) Litman; brother Wayne (Dianne) Shoemaker; half-sister, Sandra (Larry) Lesanko; mother-in-law, Laura Hauger; sisters-in-law, Mandy (Allan) Keuchle, Pat (Howard) Mayer; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2013, 1 PM at Mission Heights Church of Christ, 8321 Mission Heights Drive, Grande Prairie.