It is with heavy hearts that the Tougas family announces the passing of our remarkable dad and grandfather, Richard “Dick” Tougas, after 93 years well lived. He was a sportsman, businessman and, most of all, a family man who will be missed by all who knew him.
Born in Edmonton in 1919, Richard was a natural athlete. A junior hockey star for the Edmonton Athletic Club, he was also Edmonton junior tennis champion. He attended the University of Southern California on a hockey scholarship, where he played on national championship teams. It was there that he met a vivacious North Carolina beauty queen named Rebecca Hankins. They were married in 1942, and would go on to have 11 children.
Upon returning to Edmonton, Richard and his brother Maurice (“the best brother anyone could ever have”, he often said) opened the first Jack and Jill children’s wear store in 1948. The store would become an Edmonton icon for more than 60 years, with an emphasis on quality merchandise and outstanding customer service. Even in his 90s, decades after his retirement, customers still recognized him and would thank him for a kindness extended to them.
Despite his business success, he lived modestly. His only indulgence was his Mayfair Golf and Country Club membership, where he was once the senior men’s champion.
He is survived by his children, Richard (Kathy), David (Karen), Diane (Ken MacRae), Suzanne Read, Renee Gaylard (Don), Robert (Diane), Donald, Maurice (Holly), Teresa Griffiths (Kim) and Todd (Sharon)–semicolon– daughter-in-law, Lucie Tougas–semicolon– nephew, Marc Tougas (Barb)–semicolon– brother, Rolland of Salt Lake City–semicolon– 19 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Becky–semicolon– beloved son, Gary–semicolon– and brothers, Paul, Gerard, and Maurice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 14, 2013 at St. Joachim Catholic Church, 9928 – 110 Street, Edmonton.
Special thanks to the kind staff at the Waterford at Summerlea, and to the staff at the U of A Hospital Unit 3F4 who attended to him in his final weeks.
Donations in memory of Dick may be made to Catholic Social Services – Sign of Hope, 8815 – 99 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6E 3V3.
John Todd says
Don,
My sincerest condolences go out to you and the entire Tougas family with the passing of your Father. Regrettably I was unable to attend the funeral service last Thursday.
I have many fond memories of the golfing weekends in Jasper I was honored to share with yourself, your Dad and Gary.
Best,
John