In Memory of

Richard

Forbes

Pow

Obituary for Richard Forbes Pow

POW: Richard “Dick” Forbes Pow, our wonderful, sweet Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, passed away very peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. Dad passed on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre at 85 years young, and we were lovingly by his side during his journey. He was born in his family home on Louise Avenue in Brandon on May 21, 1937 and had two older sisters and a younger brother. Richard met Barbara Baliski, the love of his life, in 1951 at Nick’s Fish and Chips in Brandon when he was 13 years old and she only 11. They fell in love during their long courtship and ultimately married in 1957. Their true love grew into a large, loving family from their two daughters to five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Richard spent the next 64 years trying to keep Barb’s daily shopping in check, tame her colorful language and find all the hiding places for her garage sale finds. Needless to say, he did not succeed. Mom and Dad had an envious marriage and were best friends their entire life. Barb lost her battle to Alzheimer’s in 2021 and Richard missed her dearly. Dad had a strong work ethic and took pride in a hard day’s work to support his family. He had a multitude of jobs before finding his career as a firefighter; he drove taxi, delivered milk via buggy with his beloved horse Peggy, and was a skilled painter for Grigg-Roberts Decorating. Richard proudly joined the Brandon Fire Department in 1961 and retired as a respected Captain in 1995. During those 34 years in the BFD, he made strong, lasting friendships and cherished belonging to that brotherhood with the men he held so dear. Following his retirement, Richard obtained employment at the Keystone Centre, where he worked for the next 20 years, making many new friends along the way. He also was part of the archive committee at the Fire Department and had input in the Fire Hall Museum, hosting tours for many years. Dad loved to be outside puttering around the yard and took pride in receiving complements for his tomatoes and seasonal yard decor. Being a social butterfly, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, following his family’s sporting events, and going for coffee at the mall or happy hours with family and friends. Dad loved life, loved his family unconditionally and was very proud of his daughters. He was a thoughtful, caring, generous man who would help anyone with anything at any time and will leave a huge void with his absence. He was a true inspiration, and we all have great admiration and respect for him; he truly is our Superman! Richard will be dearly missed by daughters Karen (Pat) and Lori (Darrell); his grandchildren Vanessa, Stacey (Jay), Dustin (Becky), Darrick and Jordan (Kim); his great grandchildren Dane, Ruby, Isaac, Crosby, Ryder and Keira, his brother Terry (Sam) and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years Barbara, parents Peter and Lillian and sisters Mary and Helen. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the excellent care Dad received from CancerCare, Palliative Care and Home Care, as well as the kind treatment from doctors and staff. The Brandon Fire Paramedics who responded to Dad’s last call, treated him with such dignity and respect, still honoring their fellow brother. It meant the world to Dad, and for that we will be forever grateful. A combined Celebration of Life, honoring both Dick and Barb Pow, will be held at The Firehall, 637 Princess Ave, Brandon MB on Tuesday, October 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a time for sharing at 1:30 p.m. Private family interment will follow. Donations in their memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 185 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7, Firefighters Burn Fund, 120 – 19th Street, Brandon, MB R7B 3X6, or the Alzheimer’s Society, Unit 4B, 457 – 9th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 1K2.