graduated in civil engineering from the University of New Brunswick in 1974 and obtained his Master's degree in geotechnical engineering from McGill University in 1978. Rick spent his entire career at Golder Associates, a consulting firm specializ

ing in ground engineering and environmental services, first joining the London, Ontario office in 1978. In 1984, he moved to Toronto to work with the Mine Waste Group. In 1989, Rick established the Montreal office where he managed the Quebec opera

tions. He was appointed President of Golder in Canada in 1996, and eventually named President of Golder's global operations in late 1999. During his 10 years as global President, he oversaw a period of tremendous growth for the company. In 2000

, Golder was a 2,000-person operation with offices in 16 countries and by the end of 2009, it had become a 7,000-person company with a presence in 40 countries. He was extremely proud to be part of a company known for its culture of technical exce

llence, innovation and central focus on its people. When Golder was established in Africa in 2003, Rick (and others) witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of AIDS. In response the Golder Trust for Orphans was formed to provide support to chi

ldren and families who have been orphaned or displaced by the AIDS pandemic. To date, the Trust has raised over $US 1 million, which supports more than 1,000 children through funding provided for 11 projects in Africa. Having grown up in Norther

n New Brunswick near the great Restigouche River, Rick took every opportunity to go fishing and hunting, not so much for the sport but for the pleasure of spending time in nature and the camaraderie that came with it. He enjoyed the years he spen

t coaching his son's hockey teams and always said he learned everything he knew about leading and motivating people in the dressing room and standing behind the bench. Rick was, to say the least, a colourful character who loved entertaining the ga

llery. He was a bon vivant extraordinaire, enjoying nothing better than preparing great meals for his family and close friends and sharing a glass of wine or more. He will be remembered for his warmth and generosity, his ability to connect with pe

ople and stay connected.