[nscumber] Obit: BRINE, Richard Thomas

[David Winter <nscumber@yahoogroups.com>]

In Memory of

Richard Thomas Brine

1945 - 2020

  

Obituary for Richard Thomas Brine

  

Richard Thomas  Brine

Brine, Richard "Rick" Thomas (also lovingly known as Big Fish, RTB, and Mr. B)

of Kitchener, Ontario, Rick passed away Wednesday April 8th 2020, at St.
Mary's Hospital from complications of Covid-19 at the age of 74.

  

Born August 2nd, 1945, in Springhill, Nova Scotia, son of the late Basil Brine
and Genevieve (Jenny Boudreau) Brine. Grew up in Joggins N.S and graduated
from River Hebert District High School.

  

Married almost 50 years to his loving wife Geraldine (Gerrie). Also survived
by his two sons, Chris and his wife Sheri of Kitchener, Andy and his wife
Kessie of Hong Kong, grandson Ryder, and brother Gerald and wife Beverley of
Burlington. Predeceased by his brothers Bernard and Lenwood. Brother-in-law to
Janet Grand and Ron Reid of Orillia.

  

In his professional career of over 40 years in the vending and office coffee
industry, Rick will be remembered by his many colleagues at the Canadian
Forces Exchange, Hudson's Bay Vending, Red Carpet Coffee, AL Van Houte, and
Mr. Coffee, and by many friends right across the country.

  

He had a lifelong love affair with sports, spending many years coaching
including baseball with brother Gerald in Leaside, Little League Soccer,
T-Ball; winning the OMBA Baseball Championship, and nominated as President of
the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association. As a coach, he unfailingly promoted
fair play and equal time for everyone, and often reminded parents that amateur
sports are for the benefit of the kids, not just for winning.

  

Rick loved nothing more than watching his sons play organized sports. The
early mornings, road trips, hours of practice and missed holidays all resulted
in a million smiles and lifetime worth of pride.

  

The unexpected addition to the years of sports was a new career as the General
Manager of the "Hotel de Trailview" in his home. The boys' teammates were not
only tenants, but ultimately an extended part of Rick and Gerrie's family.

  

  

Rick was well known to be passionate about his beliefs, with a strong opinion
on any subject, which led to many a good conversation. He didn't mince words
as he was very direct, and you always knew how he felt. He could be
intimidating at times with a hard exterior, but he was extremely empathetic
and a caring man with a big heart.

  

The family will be holding a celebration of the Rick's life at a future date
to be confirmed.

  

If you wish to honour Rick with a memorial donation, please give to one of the
following:

www.alivingtribute.ca

www.tgwhf.ca

www.couchichingconserv.ca/donate/

  

Visit www.henrywalser.com to view Rick's memorial.

  

[Collected by DAW, 14 Apr 2020]