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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
RATCLIFFE, Richard - Born in Haileybury, Ontario, Richard Ratcliffe (also known as Dick, Grampie, Grampie Dad, Papa, Dhobie, Commander, My Dad) always considered himself a Northerner until he became a Bluenoser. A Korean War veteran, he considered himself lucky to have spent most of his naval career at sea on ships of the RN (Royal Navy) and RCN (Royal Canadian Navy). He served in all three of Canada's aircraft carriers. Probably the most memorable time was when he spent the night in jail in Panama.
Richard's greatest love was his late wife, Patricia, and his family: children Deb (the late Wilbert), Rick (Deborah) and Stephanie (Joey); wonderful grandchildren Erin, Patrick (Marc), Emily, Cate and Joe; great grandchildren (Catrina, Neo, Demitra, Lilly); and great great grandchildren (Dylan, Silas, Milo). He is proud of every one of them.
His next greatest love was the Navy and all its associations. Then came Captain's Paradise on Lazy Bay in Wallace, Nova Scotia, and all his friends in that community. Then the Golden Isles of Georgia and all his friends in St. Simon's Island and Brunswick.
In his last decade, Richard was a proud resident of the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto, where he served as the ongoing President of the Resident's Council. His family greatly appreciates all of the wonderful care they gave him over the years (with special mention to the LFSE staff and the incredible Dr. Hung) and encourages donations to the Veterans Comfort Fund (as well as St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Wallace, NS) in his honour.
While living at Sunnybrook, he renewed his passion of rug hooking, working with art therapist Lorrie Clarke to complete over 60 projects. His signature design was an anchor, a nod to his years as a sailor, but he hooked everything from ships to beloved family pets to the Yellow Brick Road.
Richard was also a great lover of music, especially Louis Armstrong, whom he had the privilege of seeing multiple times live including at San Francisco's Club Hangover. And he received much joy from a great meal, having a particular soft spot for seafood and ice cream.
It was a great run for 98 years, for which he is ever grateful. Now in receiving God's greatest gift of eternal life, he looks forward to his next adventure.
The funeral service will take place on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Wallace, Nova Scotia. (DeMarco Funeral Homes)
Ships served in: HMCS QU'APPELLE - as Commanding Officer 16 Jan 1967 - 16 Dec 1968
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