Obituary of Richard Allan Haapa
Obituary of Richard Allan Haapa
It is with great sadness to announce the death of Richard Allan Haapa, affectionately known by many as “Ric”. Friend too many, mentor to dozens, and admired and respected by everyone who come in contact with Ric. Richard passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at the age of 65, surrounded by family. Richard was born on November 10th, 1959, in Port Arthur, Ontario, Ric faced suffering early in life, the loss of his beloved mother, Helen Haapa, whom he loved. Rest in peace my beautiful angel, your pain is now gone. My heart will be yours always and forever.
Richard fought the good fight with Colon cancer disease for the last three years, and left knowing how loved he was by his wife and partner of 39 years, as well as by his entire family, friends and colleagues. His relationships were a testament to the kindness and warmth he shared with everyone around him. And right up to the end, he maintained his remarkable sense of humour. As on the way to the Urgent Care, he asked the paramedics to stop at Starbucks, offering to buy drinks for everyone. Ric’s ability to bring joy and laughter to any situation, exemplified his generous spirit and the love he had to lend a hand for all those around him.
Throughout Richard’s life, he was a true and very proud Port Arthur boy who never let anyone forget his roots. In 1998, we had the opportunity to relocate from Thunder Bay to Oakville, where we spent the next 24 years. Moving to Oakville we had amazing opportunities of meeting wonderful neighbours and life time friends. With retirement in our future, we purchased a home and re-located to Ridgeway, Ontario, in 2021 to enjoy the surrounding area and start our next journey in life. Richard started his work experience/journey in April 1977, at Universal Logging Supplies Co. Ltd, and stayed in heavy equipment for the next 47 years. His knowledge, dedication, work ethic, honesty and integrity, which he cultivated over the years, were truly exceptional. Richard was a valuable asset in the heavy equipment environment, earning the respect of his colleagues and peers alike. In 1998, Richard eagerly embraced the opportunity to re-locate to Mississauga from Thunder Bay with Wood-Land Tractor Inc/Ontrac Equipment. In 2009, Richard received another new opportunity to further develop his talents when he joined Strongco Equipment as Branch Manager. After making significant contributions at Strongco, Richard spent the last 11 years of his career at Wajax Equipment, where he served as Director of Operational Excellence. Richard retired in December 2024, concluding a distinguished career in the heavy equipment industry.
He Loved, Hockey and from a very young age a true-blue Penguins fan. In addition to hockey, he was an avid fan of NASCAR races; he loved Golf, Reading, Travelling, Purchasing New Toyota trucks and truly enjoyed spending time with Family and Friends and Sunday steaming windows, (spaghetti dinner). And the best ending to a long work week was in the garage with his Best Friend/Brother Frank, and neighbour’s.
Richard was married for 39 years, to his best friend and the love of his life, Rox-Ann Haapa. Richard pre-deceased by Mother Helen Haapa, Father In-Law Louie Kubinec and Mother In-Law Rita Kubinec.
Richard is survived by his sisters, Brenda (Andy) Peloza, Angela Haapa, and his brother Randy Haapa.
Richard is lovingly remembered by, Nieces and Nephews, AJ Haapa, (My-Tien Nyguen), Madison Peloza, (Pierre Demers), Kristin (Simon) Cox, Lindsay (Matt) Clare.
Great Nieces and Nephews, Cole Mitchel, Evan, Alyssa Clare, and Ethan Cox, Piper and Seth Demers.
God Children’s, Carlie Quirion and Quinton Cox.
Sister In-Law and Brother In-Law Mary-Ann and Kenneth Turko.
Great Aunties and Uncles, Jane and Jim Swain and Linda and Joe Figliomeni.
Very Special Thank-you to all of you who kept his spirits up and provided outstanding assistance
through out his treatment.
Special thank to all the Doctors and the whole medical team at the Walkers Clinic, starting with Dr. Radhika Yelamanchili/Oncology, Dr. Mamoon Bokhari, Dr. Jeffrey Cranford, NP. Jennifer Wierenga and recognizing the full Nursing team and Oncology team. Our Family Doctor Gregory Jeffries and Doctor Kim Scher. And to the Ontario Health at Home Nursing staff that provided us with outstanding home care.
With the amazing support of our whole family and friends made this journey less difficult, the daily morning texts from our Auntie’s, and the ongoing betting with our Uncle Joe and Auntie Jane and we are still in the debt from all this betting. Weekly videos and pictures from all our nephew’s and niece’s brightened Ric’s journey up. And all our family and friends that travelled to visit us, as this meant the world to Ric to spend time together. With no doubt we couldn’t go through this journey without all of the above support, so thank you for all this amazing support.
Williams Funeral Services, 722 Ridge Rd N, Ridgeway entrusted with funeral arrangements. Cremation has taken place and as per Richard’s wishes no services will be held. A private family event will take place at Two Sister Winery to enjoy his favourite’s foods and to remember the very special person he was to all of us.
In leu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richard’s memory to the Walkers Cancer Foundation, at www.NiagaraHealthFoundation.com which provides support and financial assistance to the Walkers Clinic. You can also honor his life by scheduling a Colonoscopy appointment to be checked for Colon cancer. Early detection saves lives.
“You may be gone from our sight, but you are never gone from our hearts.”
