Passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, April 5, 2024 at the age of 67. Beloved partner and best friend of Shirley Matt. Cherished father of Kara and Bryan Jones, and Keene Hotchkiss, and step-father of Jesse Matt, Emmett Kuiack, Crystal Matt (Matt), and April Matt. Adored Bampa of Evan, Hunter, Kayleigh, and Talana. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Linda Mighton, Valerie and Bill Grieve, Kathleen and Bruce Russell, Lori and Andy Poels, Debbie and Elias Nassar, Ivy and Randy Lowe, and Robb Biggs and Karen Walker. Fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and his furry friend Lexi. Predeceased by his parents Edwin and Dureen (McNally) Hotchkiss.
Rick worked as a PSW for One Care and found it as his calling for his second career. He cared greatly for each of his clients and loved each moment spent with them. He also enjoyed games of poker with his regular poker friends and will be greatly missed in the group and the community.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please check back for service details.
Donations to Heart & Stroke or the Ontario Wildlife Rescue Fund in Rick’s memory would be appreciated by the family.
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).
Tammy MacDonald
My sincerest condolences to Shirley and family. My heart goes out to all. No words can describe what you are feeling g and going through. Much love
Tammy MacDonald
The Averys
Kara and Keene, we are so very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your Dad. I remember him playing with his guitar during summer evenings in Sauble Beach. Always preferring the outdoor life, he was always pitching a tent in a nearby campground.
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Rest in peace, Uncle Rick.
Always remembered, love always, Josh, Tonia, Jacob and Luke Avery.
Kathy Thiel
Shirley,
We are so very sorry to read about the loss of Rick. Please accept our heartfelt condolences as you mourn his loss. May your memories of wonderful times together remind you of his love and bring you comfort.
Kathy and Terry Thiel, Colin, Conor and Caleb
Bryon and Mary
Dear Shirley and Family: We would like to offer our sincerest condolences. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
Debra F Tilley
Shirley and Family:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this sad time. Cherish your memories hold them close.
Debra and Ken Tilley
Jim Thompson
My condolences to Shirley & Family , Linda, friends and relatives for the loss of Rick so suddenly. Thinking of you all at this time of sorrow.
RIP Cousin Rick until we meet again one day on the other side.
Jim Thompson
Don and Cathy Lantz
Sending our condolences to Rick’s sister Linda and to Rick’s family.
So sorry to hear of his passing.
Cheryl Murphy
Our condolences to Linda and all of Ricks family. Rick was my cousin on my mom’s side. As children we spent many a weekend together while our parents played cards, camped and had huge bonfires. The strongest memory was his love of singing. As young kid his rendition of House of the Rising Sun always was a favourite.
Marina Gibson
On behalf of ONE CARE Home and Community Support Services, I would like to offer our sincere sympathies on the death of Rick. I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was a wonderful person , a very dedicated PSW and he will be so sorely missed. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
.
Robb & bert kirkey and family
Shirley. So sorry to hear about your loss. Happy trails Rick. You will be greatly missed by my dear lovely friend
Paula Loomans
So So Sorry to hear of Rick’s Passing!! My Deepest Sympathy! Big Hugs Shirley!🤗🤗
Sherry Kirkey
Shirley and family;
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Hugs for all
Cathy Parsons
Shirley, I am so very sorry to hear this. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Treasure all the fantastic memories . Thinking of you. I am here if you ever need me!
Hang in there,
Cathy Parsons & Al Quick
Julie Grimminck
Dear Shirley & Family,
My sympathy to you as you grieve the loss of Rick. I had the privilege of working along side Rick in home care. He wore his heart on his sleeve, loved to laugh and was always ready to share his opinion. Every day Rick would be impacting those he served.
“Never underestimate the valuable and important difference you make in every life you touch. For the impact you make today has a powerful rippling effect on every tomorrow.” Anonymous
Sending prayers of comfort, healing and peace as you navigate through this heartbreak. 🤍
Dianne Underhill
Sorry for your lost Shirley and Emmett always here if you need me rest in peace Rick
Gayle Fairthorne
Dear Keene and Kara – sending you my sympathy for the loss of your Father. I have a memory of him and Keene when we were all at Camp Bimini many years ago – he and Keene singing and walking around a campfire, getting everyone involved. So much fun.
Chris &Ann Moody
We have fond memories of sharing food , conversation and laughter with Rick ,Deb ,Kara and keen in St Mary’s in the 90, we are sad to hear of his passing , forever in our thoughts.
Kathy McFarland
I am so very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing- he passed but never left your heart. Sending you hugs for your journey through this. My heart is hurting for you❤️
Rick Proud
Condolences to Ricks family and friends.
Nancy and Bruce White
The great meatball caper began one summer evening. We were having meatballs for supper. The warm summer air was coming in through the kitchen window. Our Kathleen persisted in refusing to eat her meatballs, in fact, she and I were at a stalemate. No one giving in. When to our astonishment Rick came in through the front door and scooped up her meatballs and ran out of the house with them. Confrontation over, much laughter over her caped Crusader to the rescue. Great memory of a special neighbour.
Jim and Marcella
Our condolences to Shirley and family. Many fond memories of our get togethers.
Bruce and Nancy White
Spent many hours chatting over the fence about growing flowers in our yards. Rick had a great laugh and a green thumb as well. May your memories of Rick keep him in your hearts.
Jes
To say there won’t be a gap in the PSW team you worked with would be lying. So many clients are going to miss you! I’m going to miss making you laugh Rick, and you telling me not to let others know you’re a softy. Thank you for all your care and concerns for the clients you have serviced for years or even days. You will be missed. Rest In Peace.
– Jes.K.
Margaret Brintnell
Shirley & All Your Family.
So sorry to hear about passing of Rick. So Sudden. Thinking of you & my prayers are with you at this devastating time. God Bless All of You.
My Sympathy – Margaret Brintnell
Nancy Pegelo
Dear Kara and Keene
We are so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing.❤️. Our heart felt condolences to you and your family.
Love Ron and Nancy
BARB STEVENSON
Kara, Keene and family. I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Barb Stevenson
Valerie Grieve
Rick was a warm hearted and much loved man who will be missed by his family and community.
Randy Bye
My sympathies to Rick’s family.
I am Rick’s first cousin…. my mother was a Hotchkiss. The Hotchkiss clan grew up in Stalwart, Saskatchewan and moved to Ontario to pick tobacco in the mid 50’s settling first near Walsingham and then later up in Mount Forest. All nine kids, with the exception of Bill, who died young from a hiatus hernia made it up to this neck of the woods.
Rick’s father, Ed, did everything from work construction to drill wells to finish out his career at the furniture factory in Durham.
Rick did a stint at the furniture factory too.
Rick was seven years older than me so I never really got a chance to know him that well, but I do remember him coming down here in the summertime and driving my mother’s old Corvair car around the farm with me in the passenger seat before he had his license.
He was a lot of fun and I remember him singing “Bottle of Wine” over and over and smoking cigarettes like a wild man.
Rest in peace Rick
Randy Bye
Mount Forest, Ontario
Patricia
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your families. May you find comfort through your memories and support from all your friends. He will truly will never be remembered by all the lives he touched. God be with you during this time and always.
Cindy Shaddock
Shirley and Family,
Our deepest heartfelt condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
The Shaddock Family