Richard Bruce Lauer (March 14, 1947 – December 30, 2020)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Richard (Ric) Bruce Lauer on December 30, 2020 at the age of 73. Ric was born on March 14, 1947 in Edmonton, Alberta. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 49 years, Joan, his children, Jane (Steve) and Sara (Laura), and his grandchildren Olivia and Evan.
Ric was the oldest of four children. He will be missed by his sisters Linda (Peter), Kathy (Jim), and brother Dave (Lorri), as well as numerous other family members including several nieces and nephews and in-laws Wendy (Tony) and Sherrie, Ron and Joe. Ric was predeceased by his parents Randy and Phyl, and nephew Jeff.
Ric met his angel and the love of his life Joan (Joni) in 1969 and they were married in 1971. He graduated from the University of Alberta in 1973 and moved to Yellowknife the following year to take his first teaching position. In 1978, they moved back to Edmonton for a couple of years before moving to Montrose, BC in 1980. Ric worked as a teacher at J.L. Crowe Secondary School for most of his career, enriching the lives of countless students. He taught industrial education, special education, and developed a photography program. Ric (Mr. Lauer) would say that his students would take his photography class for an easy credit but would fall in love with photography after just a few classes, some even making a career of it. In 2015, they moved to Kamloops to be closer to their beloved grandchildren (and children).
One of his favourite things to do was go travelling with Joni. This love of travel started with a trip across Canada in their Volkswagon Van in 1975 and included frequent trips to Mexico, a trip to Jamaica with Linda, Peter, Dave and Lorri, and a two week Trans-Atlantic Cruise with good friends, the Caputos. They also spent a few winters in Phoenix as snowbirds, took a trip to Germany to travel the countryside and meet up with his cousin, Paul, who was a resident there.
From a young age, Ric developed a love of the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping all over Alberta and BC. One of his most thrilling adventures being a bison hunt at Pink Mountain with his hunting buddies Paul, Joe and Sia. Some of his other passions included photography, woodworking, his vegetable garden, wine making, reading and cooking. It gave him great joy to prepare a meal and have his family or friends gather to enjoy it with him. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved taking them fishing and for walks and hikes. He attended every one of Evan’s football practices, encouraging him from the sideline and never missed one of Olivia’s dance recitals. They will miss Grandpa making them waffles, which he did whenever they had a sleepover.
Ric will be remembered for his kind and giving nature, his “live life to the fullest” outlook, and his sense of humor. He was always happy to have a chat with anyone and genuine in his interest to get to know them. He was a loving husband, dad and grandpa.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, when safe to do so.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the BC Cancer Foundation in Ric’s name.
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Kathleen King
I will never forget you RIC. Your love of life is an inspiration to all.Love you brother.
Karen parkinson
Joni Jane and Sara and family. We are so sorry to hear of Ric’s passing. A wonderful teacher neighbour and a wonderful human being.
Thoughts and prayers are send to you all.
Steve Karen Parkinson and family
bill chandler
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joni ,Sara , Jane and all the rest of the family. I was so sad to here the passing of Ric as it brought back many childhood memories of us growing up, as we spent a lot time together especially hunting and fishing. I will never forget our yearly trips we made to Trail with my family and later on with my Dad after mum had passed, as we got to touch base with Ric, Joni and the rest of the Lauer family. I know he was a great husband, Dad , Grandad, brother, brother-in-law and uncle and will be missed by all.
Thoughts and Prayers to all
Bill & Linda Chandler & family
Cheryl Gallamore
So sorry to hear of Rics passing Joan. My condolences to you and your family.
Tom Milne
Sorry to hear of your lose.
Always a kind person, too soon to be taken away.
Ashley Reid
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Lauer’s passing. He was one of my favorite teachers, instilling a love of photography in me. He was gentle, patient, and caring. A teacher I think of often. I always enjoyed when I ran into him while walking my dog by his house and catching up!
Maureen & Dave
There is so little we can say at a time of loss like this. To Sara ❤and family your dad was such a kind, funny gentle man. He will be missed.Out heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to you.
Jill Gabana
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Rick. I worked with Rick for several years at Crowe. He was always excellent to work with and cared about the special needs children I would bring into his photography classes. I used to run into him occasionally after retirement, and he was always very friendly. Thoughts to all of his family.
Peggy & Ken Nuyens
We are so sad to hear of Ric’s passing. We are sending you hugs and pray for peace and comfort for the family. Ric was a great man and will be remembered by anyone that crossed his path! Love to all of you Peggy & Ken
Crystal holmes
He was a great teacher always had fun in his class. Sad to hear he has passed, best wishes to his family and friends. So sorry for your loss
Crystal
Diane Jeffers
Joni, Sara, Jane and families,
I am so sorry for your loss and the community’s loss of such a great man.
I will never forget his smile, that beautiful red beard and those rosy cheeks.
Take good care of eachother as he would want you to.
Lots of love to all of his family and friends♥️
Natalie and Steve Podovennikoff
Our deepest condolences to you Joni and your family. We have some great memories of Rick and feel honoured to have spent some happy times with you both. He will be missed, a wonderful man. Steve and Natalie Podovennikoff
Bob Povaschuk
Ric,, you are in our hearts daily. We were fortunate to enjoy your friendship for over forty years.
Melissa Martin
I was one of those students whose lives was introduced to Photography by Mr Lauer. He had such a kind and gentle way about it and allowed us to explore and learn at our own pace. A true gem. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
May you rest easy Mr Lauer, and thank-you for sharing your inspiration.
Erin Bruce
My sincerest condolences. Mr Lauer (LauDawg) was my favourite teacher. Truly one of the few reasons I actually came to class. He was my brothers special Ed teacher as well so he held a very special place in our hearts. He will be greatly missed
Deb Eckert
Hugs to you and yours Sara. Always here for you. Let me know if I can help in any way. I will pop right over.
Kevin and Deb
robert and sheena cacchioni
prayers for Ric and the family, please let us know when there will be a service. robert and sheena cacchioni
JOANNE AND SEAN JONES
So sorry for your loss Dave and Lorri. I am glad that I got to meet this wonderful and kind man.
Kathryn Salt
My condolences Joan and family.
Mike Hendriks
So sorry to hear this news. Uncle Ric was always a joy to spend time with, as a teacher and as an extended extended family member.
Ray Tenisci
I taught with Ric for many years at the Crowe, and we were very good friends. He was a great guy, and my condolences to all of his family members.
Lou DeRosa
My sincerest condolences Joan and family.
Lynn Callender
I am so sad and sorry to read of Rick’s passing. He was a such a nice guy. He always had a smile and was kind and caring. I enjoyed working with Rick and getting to know him. Deepest sympathies to Joni and all of his family. He was so proud of his family. May all your wonderful memories keep him forever close.