Richard Neville Middleton

August 4, 1957 – October 26, 2023 

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our loving husband, father, and grandfather on Thursday October 26, 2023, at the age of 66.

Richard Neville Middleton is survived by his wife, Donna, their sons TJ (Heidi) and David, and grandsons, Finn and Elliot.

He also leaves behind his two sisters, Judy Gillespie and Shari Irene Hanton (Norm), Aunt Amanda Kuusselka (Anders), Uncle Lorne Hudson (Lois), and many cousins.
Richard was born in Victoria BC to Glorianne Marilynne Mary Middleton (nee Hudson, deceased), and John Neville Middleton. He soon moved to Winnipeg, MB, where he spent much of his childhood with his grandparents.

Henry, Rick’s grandfather, and Lorne, his uncle, taught Rick the value of hard work and the personal pride that comes with a job well done. This fostered an incredible work ethic that was evident in everything he did, from meticulous yard work, painting, and dry walling – which he hated – to countless home reno projects.

Richard joined the City of Winnipeg Public Works Department in 1997, where he took great pride in his work for the next 26 years. There, he thrived professionally, and his unwavering work ethic did not go unnoticed. In 2022, the Mayor of Winnipeg presented Richard with an award for his 25 years of outstanding service.

At work, he was affectionately known as the self-proclaimed “yard dog”. Rick was loved, respected, and admired by his coworkers, earning their trust as the go-to person for everything.

In the spring of 1986, Rick married his wife, Donna (née Dyck), and quickly became a beloved member of her family.

They enjoyed spending time together at the Dyck family cottage. There, he especially loved to help his father-in-law, Ernie, with yard work and various projects – which were always celebrated with a well-deserved cold beer.

Two years later, Rick and Donna welcomed their first son, Thomas Jeremy Middleton (TJ) in April of 1988. Rick was a loving and engaged father, participating with TJ in clubs like the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. He enjoyed spending time with TJ in the great outdoors, and the two bonded over a shared love of fishing and camping.

Twelve years later, in 2000, the couple welcomed their second son, David Allan Norman. This new addition brought Rick more joy and many more years of treasured family camping trips – quality time with his wife and children that he deeply cherished.

In 2017, Rick was promoted to proud grandfather when Tj and his wife, Heidi, welcomed their first child, Finn. Three years later, the couple welcomed their second son, Elliot, making Rick a proud grandpa once again.

Richard adored animals, with a particularly deep-seated passion for his four-legged fur babies. He always had a rescue dog by his side and could never turn away another in need. His motto? “The more the harrier.”

In 2011, Rick and Donna opened their home to a foster Border Collie from Hull’s Haven Rescue. Her name was Cyan, and she needed rehab following a major surgery. Rick took this on with his whole heart. Cyan became a permanent part of the family and Rick’s best friend, until she recently passed away.

While we are broken-hearted by Rick’s sudden and unexpected passing, we find comfort knowing he is joyfully greeted by a wagging tail and showered in love with a thousand kisses. Cyan, his beloved fur-baby, has been faithfully waiting for him across the Rainbow Bridge.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue, an organization especially close to Rick’s heart. Interac eTransfers can be sent to: admin@hullshaven.org

Please join us for a celebration of life on November 28th 1pm at Voyage Funeral Home 472 Kirkfield St. Winnipeg MB.