Richie's Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband and father, Richard "Richie" Gregor, on the morning of the summer solstice. Richie passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at the age of 58.
Richie was the pillar of strength of our family - a devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend. He lived his life with extraordinary courage, unwavering determination, and deep gratitude, inspiring everyone who knew him.
In July 2017, Richie survived a life-threatening aortic dissection after undergoing emergency open-heart surgery. Against overwhelming odds, he fought with remarkable resilience through five additional surgeries over the following years. Supported by an exceptional medical team at VGH led by Dr. Janusz, a loving, healing community of Training in Power, and countless prayers, he was blessed with nine more years - years filled with love, purpose, and precious memories that our family will always treasure.
Despite the immense challenges he faced, Richie never complained. He rarely relied on pain medication, choosing instead to meet each day with quiet strength, perseverance, and gratitude. His determination, gentle spirit, and unmistakable Gregor stubbornness carried him far beyond every medical expectation.
Richie embraced life wholeheartedly. He remained active, walking 8 to 10 kilometres several days each week, cycling, meditating, and caring for his health with remarkable discipline. He believed in living intentionally and finding peace in life's simple moments - especially through time in nature.
Professionally, Richie dedicated more than 25 years to ICBC, where he built a respected career in information technology. Beyond his profession, he was a lifelong learner, entrepreneur, teacher, healer, minister, and someone who generously shared his knowledge and compassion with others.
His love of technology and writing began early. As a teenager in the early 1980s, after earning and carefully saving money from his first job at McDonald's, he purchased a Tandy 1000 computer. Long before the internet connected the world, Richie created his own community bulletin board system and began writing science fiction stories. Those early passions shaped a lifelong career in technology and a deep love of storytelling.
In recent years, Richie fulfilled a lifelong dream by writing with the hope of publishing two science fiction metaphysical thrillers and had just begun work on a third novel. His creativity, imagination, and thoughtful perspective touched those fortunate enough to know him personally.
Above all else, Richie loved his family. He was a devoted husband to Sue, a proud and deeply loving father to Gabby and Xavier, and a caring son who remained devoted to his 91-year-old mother. His kindness, wisdom, humour, and steadfast love will remain with us always. He often referred to family and friends with loving terms of endearment, like "Darling," which reminded each of us how precious we are and made us feel both loved and protected.
While our hearts are broken by his passing, we are profoundly grateful for the nine precious years we were given beyond what once seemed possible. They were a gift, and we will cherish every memory.
Richie leaves behind his loving wife, Sue Bartnik; his children, Gabby and Xavier; his mother, Ronni; his siblings, Quintin, Alastair and Jamie; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Though he has left this world far too soon, his legacy of courage, strength, compassion, creativity, and love will continue to guide and inspire us.
Forever loved and remembered, our beloved Richie.
Please Join Us
We warmly invite family and friends to gather in Richie's memory.
In His Memory
In memory of Richie Gregor, we are helping to collect donations toward a park bench to be placed in Mundy Park - the place Richie spent many hours walking, cycling, dreaming of storylines, chatting with loved ones, and connecting with the trees.
Any additional funds will be donated to the local SHARE food bank.
For those inspired to make a donation, thank you for your consideration and contribution.
- Sue, Gabby, and Xavier
To ensure 100% of your donation goes directly to the family, we encourage donations via Interac e-Transfer.
Prefer to give by credit card, or donating from outside Canada? Our GoFundMe page accepts all cards. Note that GoFundMe deducts a small transaction fee.
Donate nowRemembering Richie
Photos and memories shared by family and friends. Add your own below - every story keeps him with us.
He called everyone "Darling" and meant it. You never left a conversation with Richie without feeling a little more loved.- A friend
From a Tandy 1000 and a bulletin board system to a career in technology and two novels - Richie never stopped building worlds.- A colleague
