Obituaries

STRUTZ (DICK), Richard Harvey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Harvey Strutz (Dick) after short battle with cancer at the age of 86 on November 22, 2024.

Dick was born on April 25, 1938, in Regina Saskatchewan and spent 18 years on a farm with his parents, Mike and Annie, in Sandburg, Saskatchewan learning to drive farm equipment at the age of five. Dick studied agriculture at Canadian Union College in Lacomb, Alberta, where he discovered and developed a lifelong passion for hockey which unfortunately got him expelled. He completed his diploma at the University of Saskatchewan and returned to the farm to work with his father until he decided to move onto greener pastures in 1960.

He spent over 40 years working in the construction industry on large projects in BC, Northern Manitoba, and NWT, and retired after 18 years with Dawson Construction in Kamloops in personal and labor relations.

Dick was always involved in the community. He was a member of the Masonic Kamloops Lodge for over 46 years and a life member of the Kamloops Shrine Club. He enjoyed, for 29 years, driving the Keystone Kops Car (1934 Chevy) in parades all over BC and even driving in a parade in Las Vegas. Dick also volunteered at the Red Cross for 15 years. He also volunteered with the BC Summer games, the Brier and the Scott tournament of Hearts to name a few.

He was an avid sports fan (the understatement of the year) playing hockey in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC. He was one of the original shareholders with the Kamloops Junior Oilers and a season-ticket holder for many years with the Kamloops Blazers, and a huge fan of the Blue Jays. Dick took his sports very seriously and could watch hockey on TV and listen to a Blazers away game simultaneously. Disturbing him during a game or blocking his view was like taking your life in your own hands, and you never made that mistake twice. That look or a huge hand on your shoulder was your cue to sit down and never move again. He took his son and son-in-law to a Winnipeg Jets game where a gentleman made the mistake of standing up and blocking his view and a fight almost ensued. The evening ended on a high note, winning the meat draw at the Legion. Dick and Marilyn enjoyed traveling and visited Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Alaska and the Panama Canal.

Dick was predeceased by his wife of 50 years Marilyn and a survived by his daughter Wendy (Ryan), his son Rob (Joselyn) and his four grandchildren, Mya, Harper, Kaiden and Holden.

Dick had a wonderful sense of humor right up to the end. He loved to tell stories and go out for breakfast to the Stock Pot or coffee with his many friends. He will be lovingly remembered for his many “Dickism’s”. The only one politically correct enough to repeat here is “How are you, you old corn cracker.” He loved to drive, and his son-in-law referred to his vehicle as “Strutz Air” for his ability to make it anywhere in record time. He was mocked by his children for many things, including his horrible taste in music (Box Car Willie).

A special thank you to Dr. Paul, Dickinson, Dr. Bourdeau and the nurses at Kamloops Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness. Thank you also to the staff and residents of Berwick on the Park. He loved his 2 1/2 years there and made many friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice in his name.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at cypressfuneral.ca

Condolence Messages

Dec 02, 2024
I worked with Dick, volunteering at Red Cross for close to 20 years.Every Thursday morning he was there. I did one shift but he did two shifts working all day. Always smiling ,talking about his family,his delight in talking about food and restaurants.He was a great company while working.

I was shocked to hear about his passing when I went to see him at Hospice only a couple of days after learning that he was there.

I shall miss him but now he is with Marylin and happy. May his soul rest in peace and may the family have the strength to endure this after a brief illness. - Krishna Parghi
Nov 30, 2024
Dick was my neighbour in Dunraven complex for several years. Both him and Marilyn were beautiful people and now they will be reunited. Rest in peace Dick. - Nel Sarrasin
Nov 29, 2024
Dick and Marilyn were our neighbors for 24 years . Great people . Dick had a great sense of humor. We would often talk sports. Our deepest condolences to Rob and Wendy and your families. Dick was a great guy.

Bartella’s - Carmelo Bartella
Nov 29, 2024
As a resident at Berwick, Dick shared his knowledge on the history of sports (mostly in hockey) and kept anyone who was interested informed of the latest news, not only in sports, but in politics and in special events. Nobody enjoyed meals (and especially desserts) more than Dick and nobody could eat as quickly as him, With due respect, he always waited for others to finish before he left. He was a kind, pleasant, considerate and generous gentleman. It was a pleasure to have him as a neighbour and to know him as a friend. - Eugene Yemchuk
Nov 28, 2024
I worked with Dick for many years, when he was the personnel director for Dawson. Dick was a fun loving guy but could be stern if there was an issue. Loved his professional approach, my condolences to Dick's family. - Dennis Kurylowich