In Memory Of

Richard "Dick" Joseph Jennings

Jun 14, 1936 - Jun 11, 2025

Service

Thursday, June 19, 2025
12:00 pm
Leslieville Community Hall
Leslieville, Alberta

Notice

Interment at Leslieville Cemetery at 11am

Obituary

Mr. Richard Joseph “Dick” Jennings passed away peacefully with family by his side June 11, 2025, In Red Deer, Alberta, just three days shy of his 89th birthday. Born on June 14, 1936, on his parents’ farm near Condor, Alberta, Richard spent nearly his entire life rooted in the land and community he loved.

Richard was a lifelong farmer whose deep connection to the land began early in life. In 1946, when his father retired from farming, Richard moved with his parents to Red Deer. During their time in Red Deer, he contracted polio at the age of 17. He recovered with the dedicated care of his mother but was never able to be as athletic as he had been previously. Due to his illness his sister, Betty, tutored him to finish his grade twelve and as a result he graduated as valedictorian. After twelve years in the city, the family returned to the Condor area where his father resumed farming- and Richard followed suit. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to agriculture and continued working the land until health challenges necessitated his retirement.
Even after stepping back from active farming, Richard remained at the family farm in Condor with his beloved wife Ellen until July 2024. At the time, they moved together to the Clearwater Centre in Rocky Mountain House. There, Richard found comfort and companionship through visits from friends and family and took pleasure in the meals and activities offered by the Centre.

Richard shared 62 devoted years of marriage with Ellen Jennings. Together they built a strong and loving family. He is lovingly remembered by their children: Patty Jennings and her husband Russell Clancy, their daughter Sarah and her partner Rob Train; Maie and her husband Stan Pattison and their children Ryan (Alex) and Tyler (Kaylyn) along with their families; Peggy and her husband Trevor Bensmiller, their children Dustin (Lindsey) Jody (Jordan Piers), Clay (Dakota), and Layne along with their families; and Michael along with his close friend Carmen and her children. He was the proud great grandfather of thirteen great grandchildren: Noah, Colt, Molly, Brantley, Luke, Cash, Miya, Mallie, Sawyer, Cooper, Ashlynn, Landon and Dawson. His legacy also lives through many other relatives and friends who were touched by his presence.
He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Rosa Jennings; siblings Frankie, Joyce, Yvonne, Jack, and Betty; his brothers in law, Wilf Hirning and Bud Scott; his sisters in law Fay Jennings and Delores Jennings and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ed and Betty Henneigh;great nephew Justin Henneigh; as well as his mother-in-law and father-in-law Marvin and Tootsie Knopp; brother-in-law Louie Kaniusis, Jeff Soppit, Chloe Kaniusis, and sister-in-law JoAnne Knopp; nephew Lonnie Knopp; and Loraly Knopp.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to both the Rocky Hospital and the Clearwater Centre for the excellent care that was provided to Richard.
In his final days, Richard received compassionate care at Red Deer Hospital. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and doctors in both Emergency and ICU for their exceptional kindness during this difficult time.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. A graveside service will be held on June 19, 2025, at 11:00 am at Leslieville Cemetery, Clearwater County. Followed by a funeral service at the Leslieville Community Center with lunch to follow.

For those that wish to do so donations in Richard’s memory can be made to the Condor Community Centre, Diabetes Canada or March of Dimes Canada.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Live Stream Link
https://youtube.com/live/XhcfZxpoJwA?feature=share

Condolences

Peter Jennings:

Condolences to all of Dick's family in Canada from a farm in deepest Shropshire, England. Dick's father was my great-uncle.

Gayle Jennings:

Rest in peace, Uncle Dick. I have so many memories of your smile and your kindness to me as a kid.

Gayle Jennings (please add the following):

You were a gift to your family and all who knew you.

Keith and Chris Meyers:

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Ellen, Patty, Marie, Peggy and Michael and the rest of the extending family. What a blessing to have had a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather for the time you did.
May fond memories of your loved one, be yours to cherish and bring comfort in the days to come.

Adair & Susan McDonald :

We wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the passing of your husband/father/grandfather. We will remember Dick as a very kind & gentle soul who always saw the positive in all things. We certainly always enjoyed our visits. May he Rest in Peace.

Richard and.Verna Straub:

Our deepest sympathies. He was such a good friend and will be deeply missed.

Tim and Carolyn Clow:

Our sincere condolences to you and your families at this time. He will always be remembered as a hard working, honest and respectable man. We received a marble rolling pin for a wedding gift from your parents. Mr. Jennings said to me, "Carolyn, I want to make sure you know how to use it the right way, and I don't want to hear that your husband is a casualty!" Lol.

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