Joseph “Rick” Richard Scott Simmons

It is with profound sadness we announce Richard “Rick”, age 61, passed away at the University of Alberta Hospital on July 16, 2022 following a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was born to MWO Michael Simmons (Retired) and the late Jeanette Hebert (Orvis) on January 4, 1961 in Moncton, NB.

Rick grew up in a military family, calling many places home before settling in Edmonton. He began his meat cutting career at Dick’s Quality Meats in Courtney, BC and continued his professional career as a meat manager for Save-On-Foods in both Kamloops, B.C. and Edmonton, AB. Upon his retirement, after 31 years with Save-On-Foods, he continued his career as an instructor at NAIT for meat cutting in the culinary department.

Rick enjoyed sports. He played hockey goal tending and in the summer enjoyed playing baseball where he was a pitcher. During his youth , he was known on the ball field by his cheering fans as “Little Ricky Simmons.” For those who knew him in childhood and adulthood they could say that his qualities and values certainly matched him being a most valuable player.

Rick’s kindness and warm giving spirit was always shown towards others. He valued his friendships and he was always willing to help out where it was needed. He volunteered his time coaching hockey in Courtney, BC with some of his proudest moments watching a few of his teams talented individuals move on to play for the NHL.

Rick was especially proud of his son Tommy and never hesitated to share just how proud he was of him with others.  Rick also thought the world of his nieces and nephews and he will be forever missed by them.

Rick will be remembered by his common-law spouse, Cheryl Bangcot of Edmonton, AB; his son, Thomas “Tommy” Simmons of Edmonton, AB; his father, Michael Simmons (Beverley)of Pictou, NS; siblings, Jacquelin Buckley of NB, Derek Simmons of NS, and Suzanne Atkinson (Tyler) of BC along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, friends, and colleagues.

He was predeceased by his mother, Jeanette Orvis (Hebert) and grandparents, Frederick and Regina Hebert of Moncton, NB and Heber and Ellen Simmons of St. John’s, NFLD

A Celebration of Life will be held for Rick on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Trinity Funeral Home in Edmonton, AB and will be officiated by Robert Cully. A private visitation was held Saturday, July 24, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rick’s memory to Jumpstart Program for Kids.