Richie was a very handsome man. He met his lovely wife Audrey at a dance in Matsqui and they were married in 1949, celebrating nearly 66 years together. They lived in the Pinegrove (Fraser Hwy / Mt. Lehman Rd.) area and later on in Bradner where they raised their four children, Barry, Brenda, Kevin & Pauline. One of the things that always struck me was the incredible respect Richie and Audrey had for one another. Just watching the way they interacted was a great example for any young couple to follow. 

Richie had many talents besides becoming an expert on daffodils. He was a top-notch athlete, playing for many years with the Bradner Redshirts where he was well known for his deadly blast kicks and goal scoring. Richie was the produce manager at the Super Valu in Aldergrove and was even involved in the thwarting of a hapless thief who tried to enter the store via the much too narrow chimney. He loved Bradner and was an extremely community minded man. Whether it was helping out at the Bradner Community Hall, riding the community float as 'Dr. Liverwarts' or as we at the Bradner Barker came to know him 'The Old Thymer'.

He had an incredible sense of humour, and was well known as a talented writer and poet. Even though he was a formidable match for any writer with his sly sense of humour, there was an unmistakable gentleness to his writing, a kindness that endeared him to all who knew him. He loved nature, the farm; gardening and could be found outside puttering even in the winter. Richie always had a joke, a positive comment or words of encouragement. He never had a bad word to say about anyone – except maybe some of our politicians – and even that was done in a flippant way, without any meanness attached. He was well known for lending a helping hand to anyone who was in need.