Passed away suddenly at home in Lucan with his husband by his side on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at the age of 51. Cherished husband and best friend of Friedhelm Hoffmann for 26 years. Loving son of Benjamin Hernandez Melendez and the late Ena del Transito Herrera and son-in-law of Helga Hoffmann of Germany. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Daniel Hernandez and Sandra Biddle of Leamington, Rene Hernandez and Renee Sacrey of Kitchener, Annie Braun of London, and Rev. Eva and Andreas Schury of Boblingen, Germany. Fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, his fur baby Elton, special friends Wolfgang and Barbara and family of Switzerland, Melissa and family of London, Kimberley and Wayne and family, The Fagan family, Hume and Jen Hope and family and the German Canadian Club family and many friends from work and many personal friends.
Ricardo had a long and rewarding career as a well respected and much-loved hair stylist. If you were in his chair, no one else mattered, you were his primary focus and inspired by his positive energy and laughs. He was an enthusiastic fan/groupie of the Gerald Fagan Singers, even travelling on world tours with them. As the ‘First Gentleman’ of the German Canadian Club of London he was a passionate volunteer and found many new friends while spending lots of time there the past couple of years; he was a beloved member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church of Lucan. Ricardo loved to cheer up everyone and left you with a big smile that lit up the room wherever he went.
Ricardo’s memorial service will be held at Holy Trinty Anglican Church, 189 Main Street, LUCAN on Saturday, August 17th. Please gather at 10:45 AM with the service beginning at 11 AM. A time of fellowship will follow at the Lucan Community Centre (new Multipurpose Hall). Cremation with interment St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye.
View the service live or at your convenience by visiting https://www.facebook.com/groups/154244587919726
In lieu of flowers, donations to the German Canadian Club, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, or Anova Women’s Services would be appreciated in Ricardo’s memory.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jeff
Friedhelm, our sincere condolences, thinking of you in this very sad time.
Jeff & Leigh Kints
Mark Heimrich
Friedhelm & all Ricardo’s family & friends;
Our sincere condolences in the passing of Ricardo. May he and your memories live on in your hearts forever.
Mark & Julie Heimrich
Rainer Butzmann
Lieber Friedhelm, weit ist Dein zu ertragendes Leid zu uns nach München gekommen.
Wir denken an Dich, Deine Mutter hat mir immer viel von Ricardo erzählt er ist uns auch ans Herz gewachsen und möchte Dir viel Kraft geben um das Leid zu ertragen.
Unser Gedanken sind bei dir, Friedhelm, und bei Ricardos Familie und Freunden
Alles Gute deine Weitverwandten aus München Rainer Butzmann, mit Gabriel, Elias, Valerei und Ursula
Rainer Butzmann
Friedhelm ,I am so sorry for your loss. Lieber Friedhelm, dein Schmerz ist weit über den Ocen auch nach München gelangt. Mit großer Traurigkeit impfinde ich deinen Schmerz. Wir sind in Gedanken bei Dir
Von Herzen
Rainer München (Groß Cousin) Love Friedhelm, I am so sorry for your loss. Dear Friedhelm, your pain has travelled far beyond the Ocen to Munich. I feel your pain with great sadness. Our thoughts are with you
From the bottom of our hearts
Rainer Munich (Grand Cousin)
Susan Smythe
Friedhelm – So sorry to see this notice. I didn’t know Ricardo, but you and I have crossed musical paths over the years with the Fagans. I’m sure you have many great memories to keep him alive in your heart forever.
Sincerely, Sue Smythe
Mark & Ann Scott
Friedhelm:
We are thinking of you today and in the days ahead. Our sincere condolences to you on the passing of Ricardo. We feel for your loss.
Olena
My deepest condolences to you , Friedhelm, Ricardo’s family and friends.
May the loving memories of him warm your heart.
Bobbi-jo McGlynn (nee Richards)
I knew Ricardo when we were both in our early 20s. Oh the dancing! He was such a kind hearted friend with an infectious laugh and a brilliant smile. Sending oceans of condolences to his beloved Friedhelm and his loving family. The world just got a little bit dimmer.
Mary Moffatt
Sending sincere condolences to you at this time Friedhelm. May you find strength in the wonderful memories you cherish of your years with Ricardo who brought great joy and happiness to your life.
Brian Triebner
Friedhelm:
We are extremely saddened to hear of Ricardo’s passing, a shock to all of your friends and family. May your memories of him give you peace and ease your pain as time passes.
Audry & Brian Triebner
Jim Dietrch
Friedhelm we are so sorry for your loss, our sincere sympathy.
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Joyce Sovereign
Freidhelm
Thinking of you during this very sad time in your life .I am so very sorry for you in the loss of Ricardo,May God be close around you ,to give you comfort.My sincere sympathy
Fred & Jackie Wells
We are so very sorry for this deep loss. May your memories bring you peace as you travel this very difficult journey
Dale & Linda Froats
Was saddened to hear one of our friendliest neighbours on Beech St , Ricardo, with the big smile has left us. Always enjoyed a chat with him. He will be missed and remembered fondly. Sending our sympathy and wishing you comfort in your many memories made together.
Kathy Hayter (Tiny Wells daughter)
You are in my thoughts and prayers with the recent passing of your husband Ricardo…keep all your fun,loving memories close to your heart ♥
Michael Veri
Dear Friedhelm, deepest condolences, thinking of you in this very sad time.
Mike and Lynn Veri
Bob and Marie Sockett
Friedhelm
So sorry for your loss,our thoughts
And prayers are with you at this sad time.
Chuck Mallette
Dear Friedhelm,
We send to you our deepest and sincerest condolences as you journey through this most difficult time. May you find strength in the coming days, and, eventually, a degree of solace and comfort as you remember the love and happiness you shared.
In sympathy,
Chuck and Judy Mallette
Alma Westlake
Dear Friedhelm;
Robert and I are saddened to hear of Ricardo’s sudden passing. He brough smiles to every situation and always saw the brighter side. Our prayers are with you at this sad time.
Robert and Alma Westlake
Frank Kints
Friedhelm,
I am so sorry to hear of Ricardo’s passing. Sending my deepest sympathies to you and the family.
Frank Kints
Betty Warner
Ricardo was a wonderful caring young man. We enjoyed his company very much.
Our deepest condolences Friedhelm.
Prayers and blessings.
Ray and Betty Warner
Dwight Dubissette
This is the saddest news in a very long, Friedhelm I am very sorry and shocked to hear this, sincere condolences to you, your family and Ricardos’ family.
Jim & Ruby Withington
We are saddened to hear of Ricardo’s passing. We have wonderful memories of dinner at your home. Your love and respect for each other was prevalent in everything you did. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Leah
I’m so, so sorry, Friedhelm. I didn’t know Ricardo long but he was such a special being I just loved him from the very first time I met him. Tobi and I were shocked and very sad to hear of his sudden passing.
It’s such a great loss. You lived a beautiful life together. I pray those memories, that special love you share with Ricardo, and God’s grace will carry you through this very sad time.
Thinking of you often and with much love.
Catherine Shantz
Friedhelm- I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you on the passing of Ricardo- May the Peace and Courage of Christ surround now and in the days ahead- My prayers are with you ! Catherine Shantz
Gord & Joanne Hardy
Friedhelm:
Sincere sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim & Russ Gibson
Friedhelm, our thoughts are with you at this time. Ricardo was and continues to be a shining star leading the way for many to better things, and happiness. We shared so many stories between us that I felt no matter what he did or where he ever went that we would be connected. He was a true friend to many and such a gentleman. Sending love and prayers to you in this challenging time.
Greg and Kelly Insley
Our deepest sympathy on Ricardo’s passing. We pray your faith will help see you through this difficult time and that you will feel His love and comfort.
Julia MacGregor
Dear Friedhelm,
I am so sorry for your loss . I know you had a wonderful life with Ricardo but it is so hard when it is cut short. Please know I am thinking of you with love .
Remember all the good times and keep those memories very close .
Xoxo
Doug O'Neil and Jane McGugan
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Ricardo. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Nestor portillo
Dear Friedhelm( on behalf of my self and my family ) please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved. May it bring , at least a small amount of comfort knowing others care and are here to share in your grief . Sending our love and prayers to you …your family , friends and everyone who had an opportunity to know and love Ricardo during this most difficult time ❤️ He will be truely missed by all . Xo
Ted Martin
Dear Friedhelm, so sorry to hear of Ricardo’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Ben, Michele, Xavier & Nikolas Muller
Vibrant and kind hearted, Ricardo’s joie de vivre was infectious. We are so deeply saddened by his passing, and send our sincerest condolences to Friedhelm, and Ricardo’s family and friends.
Christa Ihrig
Dear Friedhelm and Melendez Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Ricardo’s passing and our heart goes out to you all. Sending you all so much love and compassion as you navigate these next moments and days. May you feel that you can lean back to your community of friends and family whenever and however you require any form of support.
Sending you so much love from our family to yours,
Christa Ihrig and Family (Frank, Liz, Sebastian, Eric, Lauren, Frankie and Harriet)
Ken and Mary Lou Anderson
Dear Friedhelm and family, it is with profuse tears and profound sorrow that we acknowledge Ricardo’s sudden and untimely death. We will be with you in spirit if not in body over the next weeks and many long months ahead. Most unfortunately, we will not be able to be at Ricardo’s funeral because I (Ken) am officiating at a wedding in northern Ontario that day.
There is an inspiring quote by Joe Biden which may bring some comfort: “There will come a day, I promise you, when the thought of your husband brings a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye. It will happen. My prayer to you is that day will come sooner than later.”
With our love,
Ken and Mary Lou Anderson
Phyllis Adams
My heartfelt condolences to the Melendez and Hoffman families.
Phyllis Adams
(Friend of Tara and Robert)
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Friedhelm and friends
So sorry to learn of Ricardo’s passing. He brought warmth and happiness into your life. May your memories of Ricardo bring you comfort in the future.
Our condolences.
Kevin Dixon
Dear Friedhelm,
Ricardo was a wonderful man and you obviously loved one another deeply. I am so sorry for your loss. Together, you spread so much joy to those around you, especially through many acts of service. I trust the love you planted among others will come back to sustain you now. I am praying for you.
Summer Melendez
To be in the presence of Uncle Ricardo was to feel so special. He gave you his attention and knew how to make anyone feel loved. Always moving with kindness in his heart. Sass, laugher and a personality you couldn’t help but love. Love you uncle Ricardo and love you friedhelm.
John Hodgson
I remember Ricardo fondly mostly back in the 1990’s
He was a lovely soul and talented hair stylist .
May his memory be a blessing !
Marcela Lizana
My family and I were blessed to have met Ricardo and have him as our hairdresser for years. He quickly became our friend and our favorite person, we shared so many fun moments with him and he always made us feel welcomed and special. He was an amazing human being and the life of the party wherever he went. We are so sorry and shocked by his passing… sending you our love and strength in this difficult time. Our deepest condolences.
Marcela, Barry, Sebastian and Sofia Field Lizana
Cindy Beaver
My deepest condolences to all. Friedhelm your face lit up when Richardo was around. My heart breaks for you. He will truly be missed by many. Much love ❤️
Betty McIntyre
Dear friend Friedhelm, my thoughts are with you at this time. I know your faith and your memories will help you through. We never forget.
Dave MacLeod
Dear Friedhelm – my condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, Ricardo. May happy memories and the love of family and friends help support you during this sad time.
Jimmy&Lori Dietrich and family
Our sincere condolences, we are so very sorry Friedhelm! Deepest sympathies to all who loved and knew Ricardo.
Maryann
Ricardo was the most genuine person I ever knew he was my biggest supporter, always telling me what a great mom I was he knew how to make me feel like I did a good job raising my children he was an amazing uncle to my 4 kids. And such a caring kind loving person. I will forever miss you Ricardo I will miss that huge smile of yours always
Brent Gudgeon
Oh my, what a shock! I am so sorry ! What a wonderful man Richardo will always be😢❤️
Carrie Stuart & Jay Campbell
We are so sad and sorry about the loss of Ricardo. He was a gem, one in a million – every day that had a chance to spend time with Ricardo was a good day. He brightened everywhere he went. Danny el Chico, for sure.
Friedhelm, there are not the words to say how much we grieve for you and your loss. We send our love, support and prayers.
Melanie and Joel
We are saddened to hear of our neighbour Ricardo’s passing. We are thinking of Friedhelm and Ricardo’s family during this difficult time.
Samantha H
Sending all my thoughts and prayers to you and the family! So many wonderful memories of Ricardo when I was a youth at Trivitt. Much love.
Tom, Tracy Humphreys and family
Friedhelm
So sorry to hear of Ricardo’s passing. We were shocked. Ricardo was an amazing person, always smiling and laughing. Always had everyone laughing at those pancake suppers. May your cherished memories with you always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Tom, Tracy, Samantha, Tommy Humphreys and family
Jerry Heerema
I was shocked to hear from my friend in Exeter that Ricardo had passed away. Friedhelm and Ricardo were such a great couple. They were very supportive of me when I lost my dear Janet. Now I know how you feel Friedhelm. He was a great person to know and you and many others in the community will sorely miss him. My sincere condolences.
Betty Anne Younker
Dear Friedhelm-I am so sorry to hear of you beloved loss. To song at your wedding as part of the Fagan Singers was an honour. I am sending hugs and deepest condolences at this time of your loss. Betty Anne
Wendy Stephens
I am so saddened by the loss of Ricardo. He was a rare and beautiful person. Sending my sincere condolences to Friedhelm and the entire family. Anyone who was lucky enough to know him will be missing his incredible laugh. He will remain forever in our hearts. Rest in peace old friend.
Jackie Dix
To Friedhelm and all who loved Ricardo dearly….my sincere condolences on this oh so very sad news. I know of Ricardo’s generous and sincere heart as we took some time to visit at the Christmas Open House last December and met a sweet and gentle soul, full of life and love and mischief!
May he rest in peace. He will be remembered with love. Hugs to you Fried….
Jackie
Marlene Davidson
Ricardo was a bright light with a warm smile and a contagious laugh. Getting to know Ricardo through his time and volunteering at the German Canadian Club is a highlight for myself and Larry. Rest in peace sweet angel
Gary and Linda Hayter
Friedhelm Gary and I are so sorry to hear of Ricados passing Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very hard time. You were so very helpful through our hard times with my mom,s last days. Sending BIG HUGS.♥️
Marg Taylor
Ricardo had such huge smile and it would light up the room. He would do anything for everyone, if he seen some one in need of help no matter what it was. He was the first to help. He had such a huge heart. Freidham you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you.
Karen & Randy Stanlake
We were shocked to hear of Ricardo’s passing. The times I was in his presence, he was nothing but smiling, pleasant, considerate and such a beautiful soul. Our hearts go out to you Friedhelm. We know you will be missing him so much.
Take comfort in the great memories he has left with you, in your heart as well as in the
stories from loved ones in the coming days.
God must have needed a special angel.
Renee Sacrey
Before I met Ricardo his brother Rene described his personality to me and when I got the honour of meeting him he was described perfectly….. fun, loving,friendly and a great sense of humor. The times I was in his company he made me laugh, smile and I felt comfortable and even from across the room I seen he was very much the life of the party and so loved.
I truly wish I had more times with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Fieldhelm, Elton and all Family and Friends..
Elke Freiter
This comes as a total shock to me. I never met Ricardo, but always saw him volunteering at the German Club. I was there a few weeks ago and tasted his most delicious potato salad and saw his smiling face. My condolences to Friedhelm and family. RIP
Joan Greenlee
Friedhelm – so sorry for your loss. Ricardo will be greatly missed by all our prayers are with you and family. Joan and Gardner
Katrina Alvarenga
My uncle was the light in the room, it was impossible not to laugh at his jokes and words. He never failed to make me laugh on my lowest days and he was such a genuine, loving person. I love you so much tio Ricardo. A piece of me has gone with you. Thank you for being my biggest supporter and being by my side through everything.
Marque Smith
Dear Friedhelm,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of your beloved Ricardo. He was a marvellous man and he will missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Big hugs and lots of love,
Marque
Tammy Bieber-Holden
Friedhelm (and Elton)
I am so sorry for your loss.
Ricardo was such an amazing person, always smiling and laughing.
He will be greatly missed.
Your in my thoughts.
Love Tammy
Ruth Petersen
Ricardo, life will not be the same without you. You filled the air with your laughter, you styled hair like no-one else could. You cared about everyone.I will never forget you. Until we meet again my friend!!
Nancy Bieber
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Ricardo’s passing. I have so many good memories of you guy’s when we were neighbours always had good visits. My heart breaks for you Friedhelm. May all your memories help you through this difficult time. Gone way too soon
Pam Wulff
Friedhelm, I am so sorry to hear that our laughing, smiling Ricardo has passed on. He always brought my spirits up and those around him. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Piper Kearney
I recently met Friedhelm Hoffmann at the community garden and he was so kind. I so sorry for your loss.
Karen Brown
Dear Friedhelm,
My deepest condolences to you. Ricardo’s name will be remembered as such a blessing to everyone who came into contact with him. Ricardo had such a unique way of looking at the world and always found the good in everything. I remember how much fun Ricardo made kitchen duty at pancake suppers. The last time we spoke was a phone call full of outrageous laughter! You have 26 years of such wonderful memories to lean on. I hope that they bring you comfort now and eventually a reason to smile again.
Love and hugs, Karen
Jacqui Skinner
I am so saddened to hear of Ricardo’s passing. I have great memories of our time working together at both Zana and Limeblu. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts are with you Friedhelm and all of Ricardo’s family and friends.