Obituaries

MUSSELLAM, Richard (Rick) John

With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our Dad Rick on July 24, 2019, aged 74 with family by his side.

Rick will be dearly missed and is survived by his "number one son" Kerry (Tundra) and recently united daughter Sandy Salmon (Peter), granddaughters Arora and Nicole, Cameron (Carl and Jodi Cowton) ; grandson Terry-Dayne; loving sister and travel partner, Janet Slyter and brother Alvin. F

Family and friends were profoundly important to Rick. He is so loved and will be missed by all of his many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends near and far. Rick was the youngest child and son, predeceased by his parents George and Nettie, sister Salma, brothers, Ed, Jack, Fred and Ervin. Rick was born in Winnipeg Manitoba in 1944 and moved first to Vancouver and then later to Kelowna in 1962. Rick married his first wife and lifetime friend Wylo in 1966 and together they had Kerry. Rick was the lead singer and front man for the Shadrack's from 1962 - 67. Rick started in the car business in 1970 working for Mervin Motors. Rick then started his own dealership in the early 80s (Rick Mussellam Motors) then later started Can Am Cruisers (now Can Am Mobility) and Willingham Bus Services.

Rick was a jokester with a twinkle in his eye. He enjoyed a round of golf, a single malt Scotch, Lebanese & Ukrainian food, cooking, entertaining and travelling to sunnier climates.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on August 24th from 2:00-5:00 PM at a private estate located at 2660 Sexsmith Road, Kelowna.If you plan on attending the celebration of life for Rick , the family is asking that you RSVP to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the KGH Foundation.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com.

Arrangement entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna BC 250-762-2299

Link: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Condolence Messages

Nov 05, 2019
To all of Rick's family & friends - So sorry for your loss. May all the love & support you receive comfort you now & always.

I want to say thank you Rick. You believed in me when many others did not. I was broken physically, mentally & spiritually from being in a car accident & had no experience in business or sales administration. All I had was a back ground as a healthcare provider & the experience of being disabled. You saw something in me & took a chance (which I know has paid off many times over personally & professionally). You helped me find a new meaningful purpose & to feel good about myself again. You can feel very good knowing you started & left a legacy with me. I am in the mobility industry now 14 years , as a certified mobility consultant, with the wonderful privilege & joy to help & serve those with special needs improve their independence & quality of life (thanks to you). Because of your gamble on me, so many have been & continue to be served & helped.

Rick became a very close friend, who was like a Dad. He took me under his wing, cared about me & my family & taught me a lot, not only about the mobility business, but about life. I remember him saying; "Stick with me kid & I'll have you farting through silk!" - Rick had a way with words that made you smile & feel like everything would be OK.

Happy travels Rick - May you always BE well. RIP dear friend.

Clint Ponte & Family
Sep 05, 2019
Wylo and Kerry, I worked with Wylo at Ok Telephone when she and Rick were in Kelowna. He was quite a fellow and very funny at times. He will be missed. Bev Risso
Aug 25, 2019
Went to Rick's wake yesterday! I cried for over a half hour once I arrived there. It just sank in how Rick was gone now. He was one of my favorite people I have ever known! Just a Prince of a man. Funny! Kind! Generous. AND, always cheerful. Just going to miss him forever. Bill Copping.
Aug 10, 2019
Kerry & family: So sorry to hear of my fellow 'pegger's passing. Rick and I met in Kelowna in the mid-'60s and it's been all fun ever since. Francine & I were very touched when Rick went out of his way to drop in for a visit in AZ 2 years ago. He will be sorely missed.

Your buds always, Fish & Francine
Aug 08, 2019
So sorry to hear of this news. Rick will be missed by many of us at the Ripped Whale Derby where he was always a contender.

RIP Rick.
Aug 07, 2019
Rick's passing is a loss to so many. Going back to the '60s & the Shadracks...they filled the Aquatic every time they played there. All the profits went to the Crippled Children's Hospital in Vancouver. He touched so many lives of even people he had never met. Still, each time I hear a song Rick did with the Shadracks, I think of him, with his smile & his lovin' his music. My condolences to his family.

Chris (Cameron) Funk
Aug 06, 2019
Sincerest condolences to the Mussellam family. I know you will miss him dearly, Janet. We will all miss his smile and laughter.

- Pegi Hayashi Uyeyama
Aug 06, 2019
Janet and family - my condolences to all of you. Another great Kelowna loss to anyone who knew Rick. Bought my first new vehicle from Rick in 1975. Always smiling and joking to brighten your day.

Dale Forsythe
Aug 05, 2019
To the Mussellam family

we want to sent our condolences to you on the passing of Rick. He was a true friend to all the people he met and his sense of humor was always present for all to enjoy.

Judt and Jim Robertson
Aug 04, 2019
So sad to have lost such a great friend.

We shared some good times.

Hope to meet again someday Rick.

Rest In Peace

Sharon McMahon
Aug 04, 2019
Deepest condolences on the passing of a great man. Rick will truly be remembered and missed by all who knew him. Wishing you strength through this difficult time.

Akram & Joumana Shami and Family.
Aug 03, 2019
Kerry,Janet and Mussellam family, I was saddened to hear of Rick's passing.Rick was my boss when I worked at Wllingham Bus Services.I enjoyed working with Rick had some laughs and jokes and good hard work.Rick was a good friend and will be missed.

Madelene and Ken Hryciw
Aug 03, 2019
Our condolences go out to Rick's family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss.

Gone too soon.

Dale & Lynn Armeneau
Aug 02, 2019
Janet, Kerry and family,

My heavy heart goes out to all of you. Another great man leaves us. So many fond memories.

Linda Mitchell
Aug 01, 2019
Kerry and family, so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss.

Rick was a business

colleague and a friend, he left us to soon.

Farewell old friendly,I will miss you.

Dave Dyck
Aug 01, 2019
So very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man.

Mark and Kelli Sobchak
Jul 31, 2019
My deepest condolences to Rick's family. RIP my friend, I will miss your big hugs and big smiles.

Susan Johal
Jul 31, 2019
Kerry and family,

Rick was a kind sole, a positive attitude made him a pleasure to be around. Fond memories in business and pleasure.

May he Rest In Peace!

Eric and Linda Schlichting
Jul 31, 2019
We're sending lots of thoughts your way especially as we remember the great relationship Ricky had with our Dad, Grant. Those two were thick as thieves at times and absolutely loved each other's company.

Rest in peace.

The Styles
Jul 31, 2019
Rick will be missed. I knew Rick a long time through work and play, but the one thing that stands out of Rick, is how he was so kind and giving to all people. Both casual and close. Everyone got his attention and with kind words.

Rest in peace my friend!

Rudy Schoenfeld
Jul 31, 2019
The Mussellam Family,

We are so sad and sorry to hear about Rick's passing. He was a great friend and fellow. Our condolences to you all.

RIP Rick.

The Ciancone family
Jul 30, 2019
Kerry, Tundra, Arora and family, so very sorry to see that The Muscle Man has gone. This is certainly a great guy who will not be forgotten any time soon.

Mirella Butler and family
Jul 30, 2019
Kerry

I am so sorry to hear about Rick (CUZ) may he rest in Paradise.

Mike Haidar and family
Jul 30, 2019
So sorry to hear of my friend's passing. Condolences, Ernie Falk
Jul 30, 2019
To the Mussellam Family,

Rick was a great and very generous individual, you will be so missed.

Bernice and Hugh Westen
Jul 30, 2019
So sorry to hear of your loss. Rick was Incredibly kind to me in 1978 and hired me when my life was turning around for the better. He was a great and kind man. The world needs more Rick's.

Blessings to his family. Ray T. Calgary
Jul 30, 2019
To the Mussellam Family,

So sorry to hear of your loss. I have many great memories of Rick, his humour, his wit and his generous hospitality. I will cherish those memories.

Warm regards,

Greg Salloum and family
Jul 30, 2019
Mussellam Family:

We are saddened to hear of Rick's passing. He was an extraordinary all-around good guy. There are many in our community who will deeply mourn his passing as his was a life of kibitzing, kindness and compassion and just plain fun to be around. Rick's upbeat personality and perpetual smile will always be remembered. You have our heartfelt sympathy for your loss.

Darryl & Shary Ruff
Jul 30, 2019
Kerry,

So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I remember Rick from working with my Dad at Mervyn Motors. I remember the summer parties at our house and Rick was always there with a big personality. I remember lots of Swim meets with you and your Dad and of course, just a few years ago when he spoke at my Mom's Celebration of life.

RIP Rick.

Lorinda Christian
Jul 30, 2019
What a loss. Rick was a great guy and was a fine Kelowna citizen. He will be missed by all those who knew him.

Stan Morgan
Jul 30, 2019
Kerry and family,

What a shock to see this today. Rick has been full of life since I met him - I think I was 13 or 14. What a loss of a great man.

Condolences to you all during this difficult time.

Leslie Mellander (Roberts)
Jul 30, 2019
Rick's smile goes all the way back to days of shadracks and his golf organizing in Palm Desert and Kelowna Golf and Country club. Will miss Rick's forever smile.

John Whittaker
Jul 30, 2019
Rick loved Kelowna... he will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you,

Domenic and Lina Rampone
Jul 30, 2019
Dear Janet, Kerry and Mussellam Family:

I am shocked to see Rick's handsome picture with this very sad announcement. I remember Rick from the good ole days in Kelowna. He was a very kind individual and always took time to visit with me, whenever we ran into each other. My heart is with you ALL as you come to terms with this horrific loss.

Marjorie W.
Jul 29, 2019
Wylo and Kerry, so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Diane, Charlene, and Cam.
Jul 29, 2019
Mussellam family, so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember your dad when I was very young as we lived down the road from each other in Crawford Estates. My father used to speak about him and had some good stories to tell. My dad passed away 5 yrs ago and it's a hard road to walk. My thoughts are with you.

Treko Jackson (nee Wheeler)
Jul 29, 2019
Mussellam family, offering our deepest condolences to your family & friends. Sending huge prayers.

Kellie & Linda Milton

Kelowna
Jul 29, 2019
Rick was one of the happiest person you could meet. He loved life and enjoyed everyone he knew. He appreciated life and lived to its fullest. In many ways he was one of a kind, he always looked for a way to treat his friends in a happy go lucky friend. He will be missed by many people who came into contact with him. This is a sad day for our family who knew him to be a great friend. Our condolences to the family and friends, we have lost one of the great people who loved him and considered him a friend.

Barb and David Cullen
Jul 29, 2019
To Mussellam family, I am sorry to hear of Rick's passing, he was a great guy.

Roko
Jul 29, 2019
Janet, Kerry and family, so sorry to hear about Ricks passing. We go back a long way with many good memories. He will be missed by many,a great guy.

Gord and Judy Geddes
Jul 29, 2019
To the Mussellam family, I am very saddened to hear of Rick's passing. As a kid growing up I was often at Mervyn Motors borrowing a courtesy car from my Dad and I almost always saw Rick. He always had a big smile and wanted to stop and chat, even though I was a teenager. He was always one of my favorites of all the employees and anytime I saw him he always brightened my day! I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Lori Smith (nee Schenk)
Jul 29, 2019
Mussellam family,

I first knew of Rick in the Kelowna community but really got to know and appreciate him at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club. We had some great golf trips to the States and the twinkle in his eye and tremendous sense of humour always shone through. This true gentleman will be greatly missed.

Lorne Buna
Jul 29, 2019
Mussellam family, got to know Rick when he was a salesman at Meryn Motors across the street from us in 1972 and never lost touch with him after that. To many memories to recall them all...but they were "all good memories". Loved every moment we spent with Rick.

Vern and Alice Boehlke
Jul 29, 2019
To the Mussellam Family,

Wow so sad... a friend for many years and always a happy guy to run into. Rest in Peace Rick. John & Laurie Mackay~
Jul 29, 2019
Mussellam family,

Have known Rick since our hairy, scary motorcycle days & we all survived! Rick was a larger than life personality. Gone too soon, but a life well lived.

Dave Stringer
Jul 29, 2019
Kerry,

My family is so saddened to hear of the passing of your dad. He was such a special, loyal friend to all who worked at Mervyn Motors. I am sure my John was waiting at Heaven's door, to welcome his dear friend. May God carry you through this very difficult time. Lorraine Schenk family
Jul 29, 2019
Janet and the Mussellam family, have shared many a time with Rick. He will be missed. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Al and Donna Horning
Jul 29, 2019
I'm sorry to hear about Rick, he was always one of my dad's friends who I always enjoyed seeing as a kid and as an adult. He was one of a kind :) Sorry for your loss.

Lindsey Ivans
Jul 29, 2019
Mussellam Family,

So sad to hear of Rick's passing. Was very helpful to us at Can-Am mobility. Have known Rick for a long time and have always cherished our friendship.

Nick & Kelly Franz
Jul 29, 2019
To the Mussellam Family,

We were saddened to hear of your recent loss . Rick was a big part of Kelowna history and will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Rest In Peace dear friend you have earned your wings. God Speed.

Friends, Jerry & Lillian Moller
Jul 29, 2019
Mussellam family,

Another sad obituary to read. Knew Rick many a year ago when he was in Kelowna. The "twinkle" is legendary along with the warped sense of humor. Shall lift a dram in his honor.

David Langton