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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
MOFFAT, Richard E. (Dick) - of Calgary Alberta passed away the morning of May 9, 2021 at the age of 94 and a half years. With Dick's passing the world has lost a true gentleman and citizen of the world who throughout his life lived the values of diversity and respect as he worked with people of all races, religions and color.
Dick is survived by his lovely wife of 65 years Elizabeth Katherine Moffat (Reid). He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews. He was a proud Calgarian born on August 15, 1926 to George and Jessie Moffat as the youngest of a set of twins. Dick was predeceased by his siblings which included twin brother Douglas Moffat, two other brothers George Moffat and Roly Moffat and two sisters Gloria Teters (Maley) and Pearl Moffat.
Up until earlier this year, Dick had lived a very independent life with little help. He continued to live in his home and was able to look after himself, his house and garden and because he still had an active driver’s license he did his own shopping and banking and was able to regularly visit and support the love of his life, his lovely wife Betty who is in care. Dick fought hard to retain his independent lifestyle but this winter it became increasingly more difficult and for the past month was in care.
Up until his retirement, Dick along with Betty, lived much of their life outside Calgary. As a young man and after a stint in the Canadian Navy at the end of WW II, Dick found his calling. Dick learned to play the YO YO and he was so good at it he first became the Canadian Champion in a competition in Toronto and then played in Chicago and New York and became a World Champion. As a result, he landed a job as a professional YO YO demonstrator that would take him across the USA many times.
Over the next few years, Dick moved on and up and as a result of his excellent business, marketing and entertainment skills would find a permanent career with a new company The Jack Russell Yo Yo Company. Here he helped Jack Russell grow the company by taking the lead in opening up international markets for the Yo Yo in conjunction with the Coca Cola Company's network of bottlers and distributors. His business acumen and style and his work ethic became well respected. Over 50 years he was instrumental in opening up and developing markets in Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, South Africa, Central America, Europe, Japan, etc. He also organized a smaller regional marketing campaign within Canada.
As a result of his chosen career, Dick became a real celebrity and in his capacity as not only a skilled player but also in his development of the yo yo programs in the various countries, Dick often appeared on TV shows (such as Jack Parr, Captain Kangaroo, etc) and he was featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles around the world (such as Time magazine, Mexico). Wherever he was Dick brought fun and entertainment to millions around the globe as he and his team of demonstrators showed their skills with the YO YO, taught the tricks to anyone who wanted to learn and then held contests to find new champions in every country.
Dick also had excellent business and mentoring skills that were demonstrated by the successes of the various promotional programs he created and ran for the Jack Russell Company. His programs were responsible for producing, distributing and selling many millions of YO YO's all over the world. Dick travelled the world on a string in 45 countries and he left very big shoes to fill when he retired as Vice President of the company.
Dick chose to retire here in Calgary as he loved the mountains and the beauty right here at home. He could have lived anywhere in the word but he chose Calgary and Windermere, BC. For many years he had a cabin (Las Brisas) in Windermere, BC and when back home in Canada he spent much of his time at the cabin. It had a special place in his heart. Dick loved to fish and when home could often be found fishing Dutch Creek for Rocky Mountain White Fish often with his father and brother. Family was very important to Dick.
Also special to Dick was the Sea Cadets, the HMCS Undaunted. In his youth he was an active Cadet and attended summer camp at Lake Chestermere. He never lost his love of the Navy. He credited the Navy for giving him the disciple and life skills that contributed to his success. When he retired he became an active member of the alumni organization at HCMS Tecumseh here in Calgary. He valued tremendously the shared camaraderie.
Dick had a wonderful life that touched the hearts of millions of young people around the world. He will be missed by his family and all his friends not only here in Calgary but also those he befriended around the world.
A celebration of life will be held in the future once the ravages of COVID allow for safe gatherings. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta.
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