It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Joseph Legacy announces his peaceful passing on January 17, 2023 at the age of 90 years at Hogarth Riverview Manor, Thunder Bay, ON.
He has been reunited with his beloved late wife of 62 years, Marie Lillian (nee Pichette) who passed away in August 2020. Born on July 12, 1932 in Bathurst (S. Tetagouche), New Brunswick, he was one of 18 children to the late Frederick and Hectorine Legacy.
Richard had a strong entrepreneurial spirit which left his mark on many. Aside from being employed at Domtar Packaging (Red Rock) from 1951 to 1990, he had many “side hustles”. The Nipigon Drive-In was a family enterprise that saw many years of family employment and best memories. He was known as the “Burger King” as all will attest to the best hamburgers ever!
There were also numerous side gigs from managing restaurants, golf course kitchens, ice and live bait shop along with wild game and fish storage. All of this happened with the help of his wife and family pitching in for the greater good.
He was an extremely industrious man and cared about the happiness and well being of his family. He could always be counted on for helping anyone at anytime. He was a very gregarious, social person who was never at lost for words. He spent much of his time in the early years with his sons at the arena. As he had a love of hockey, he lived vicariously through them as being a coach. All the children have happy memories of spending time with him whether it was skiing, skating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and motocross racing.
Lastly, Richard was a very proud military veteran. He volunteered for service in the Korean War (1950-53) and operated an army ambulance for 18 months in the Medical Transport Unit. In 2000, he returned to South Korea with Marie and other Veterans for the 50th Anniversary of the South Korean Day of Liberation. He was also very active in the Royal Canadian Legion at the Nipigon Branch. He participated in various duties and activities, namely “bingo caller” at the weekly Legion fundraiser. He was honoured to march in Remembrance Day parades, yearly Labour Day parade and was a proud soldier to the end.
Richard will be lovingly remembered by his children, Susan (David) of Sudbury, Jim (Penny) of Red Rock, Cherie (David) of Thunder Bay, Janet (Bill) of Okotoks, AB, Rachelle (Kevin) Orangeville and Allan of Thunder Bay. Also fondly remembered by his siblings, Manny, Alex, Donny, Ken, Maurice and Arthur and the many grandchildren and great grandchildren who he adored.
Special thank you to the wonderful, caring staff on 6 North at Hogarth Riverview Manor and special acknowledgement to Dr. Garon for her compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers if desired, donation to a memorial in Richard’s honour to The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 32, PO Box 151, Nipigon, ON P0T2J0 Attention: Maggie
