Obituary of Richard William Olmstead

To watch the recording of the Service please click this link:
https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/130699388

 

Richard W. Olmstead

July 7, 1951 – January 21, 2021

 

“It's the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top.” 
― Robert M. Pirsig,  Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values

 

Symbiosis weaved mystery in Rick’s life, a man enraptured by curiosity and defiant against mediocrity.

 

A gift of significant intelligent capacity, he was further blessed with a photographic memory. These were supported and fully embraced with attributes of enthusiasm, resilience and positive thinking.

 

In childhood he explored worlds of wonder, creating a life filled with inspiration and ingenuity. His voracity for learning and humility inspired critical thinking, and these qualities empowered all with whom he engaged in problem solving and innovation. He cautioned expedient opportunism at the risk of long-term repercussions. He would say to Silvia, his wife and life/business partner, “If only I could help others to see what I do” and, thus his quest within every action he took.

 

Open-minded and generous in all ways, success was a collaborative celebration and pride in collective achievement. His ability to listen open-mindedly, and quietly observe were remarkable to behold and yet, beware not understanding his courage and capacity for difficult decision-making. This was a remarkable, humble man, honoured and respected by those who had the pleasure to know him.

 

Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the only son of Myrtle (Hellofs) and Howard Olmstead, Rick found great support in careful catch-and -release of insects as his youthful curiosity led him to query the world from different perspectives. He understood early on the connection and imperatives of a thriving eco-system, and vibrant biodiversity. This informed his life –  principles which supported his choices and actions, reinforcing respect for Nature’s whispers.  

 

He was a father fully immersed in parenting, love and loyalty stewarding his family, in particular, his two beautiful and impressionable daughters, Nicole and Alison. Each day he empowered, encouraged and supported their self-actualization. How proud a Papa Bear he was. Bedtimes were story-times, and exploration of topics before a good night song, gentle kiss and wishes for pleasant dreams.

 

He helped curiosity come to life, his patience and love of teaching continuous. He re-established at the lake a waterfront firefly natural habitat, and lo and behold the return of the frogs and Nature’s teachings for his girls. He brought the marvel of insects into their lives, with the squeamish squelched by knowledge. He created a naturalized sanctuary in the diverse tree-filled backyard with year-round open water features, carefully curated quality bird seed and offered nesting opportunities. Feathered friends came to know him and trust him, chirping enthusiastically as he arrived with feed. Science and building projects were favourites, and it was a common site to see him helping his girls with homework. Joy was in these moments.

 

A master fire builder, many nights were enjoyed around magnificent campfires with northern lights painting the sky. The serenity of the morn with Loons and dew burning off was a sight to behold as he welcomed the day with his first delicious cup of coffee. He was fully present, wherever he was in the world. Life held magical times.

 

It would not be surprising then to know Rick’s entrepreneurial leanings, and subsequent keen involvement in building science.

 

He was instrumental in the development of super-energy efficient housing technology in the late 1970s, and early 1980s. “House as a system” was an important theory he espoused. Hovering over statistics and design with Dr. Rob Dumont, a colleague who became a cherished mentor and dear friend, the first North American Net Zero House was built in Regina, Saskatchewan, and with it the embarking of a new industry for heat recovery ventilation (HRV) - an integral part of healthy energy efficient homes. Thus, began in the early 1980s  Conservation Energy Systems - Rick’s first business, and the trademark vanEE HRV brand was born. It quickly became a formidable leader in industry for residential and commercial applications. These were heady days of innovation, and in developing a new, thriving industry.

 

Over his 25 years as President & CEO of CES, Inc., Rick was recognized many times by industry for his valued contributions, working  closely with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), AMCA, and being a founding board member and Chair for the new North American Heating & Ventilating Institute (HVI) where certification established performance assurance. He was recognized for his innovation leadership with the Energy Efficient Building Association (EEBA) in the USA. The intelligence and passion of his circle of colleagues and friends brought inspiration.

 

Of great pride was the company’s value for learning, and the Learning Centre was established. He led by example one of the first industrial recycling programs, and company policy development through environmental impact studies on products’ full life-cycle.

 

Employees were encouraged and supported in the quest for learning - anything from business to cooking - knowing those who brought their gifts of knowledge also empowered the potential for creative thinking and reward, both in their personal and work lives.

 

CES, Inc. was sold in 1993, and he turned opportunity to reality by developing virtual teams in Rick and Silvia’s second business - Interlink Research Inc. Once again, establishing new benchmarks, IRI has served its clientele with quality, integrity and success. Values were not compromised.

 

Rick leaves behind to honour and continue his legacy, his family – his loving wife, life and business-partner of 39 years Silvia Martini, their daughter Nicole Verbeke (nee Martini-Olmstead) and family Alan Verbeke and grandsons Augustus and Anderson, and his many beloved extended family, particularly his Aunt Marjorie Cowie and numerous cousins; his in-laws: Loretta Martini and Chris Germanakos, Carlo and Adel Martini; niece Kaitlyn and nephew Christian Martini, and friends, clients and colleagues. Predeceased in his immediate family are their beloved daughter Alison (Alidear), his parents Myrtle (Hellofs) and Howard Olmstead.

 

In Rick’s final words “The mystery is so deep; so deep”, may each find life’s wonder and amazement, and support its full potential. Rick’s passing was filled with peace; he was fulfilled in his life. Grace gifted him with beloved family, friends and colleagues, and supportive teams: a consult, an in-depth exploration on choices, walks together, a visit, a helping hand, a meal, meaningful gifts, words of encouragement; a conversation, a thoughtful card; a reach out in care, a prayer for peace and healing. Gratitude is deeply felt.

 

The medical profession invites far more than physiological address. A special thank you to the many physicians who brought an integrated approach to their care, supporting Rick’s health journey with dignity. These include Oncologist Dr. Dorie-Anna Dueck, nurse Kathy and staff of the Saskatoon Cancer Agency; surgeons Dr. Nathan Ginther and Dr. Rick Jaggie, end-of-life physicians Dr. Rob Weiler and Dr. Lilian Thorpe and staff, Dr. R. Leakos, Dr. J. Schnurr, the staff at SHR Palliative Care, and Prairie Hospice Society.

 

A live-streaming of Rick’s memorial will be held Saturday, July 3, 2021 – 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saskatchewan time. Please join us by visiting Rick’s Tribute/Obituary page www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com for details and connection link.

 

Those so desiring, donations can be made to any one of three charities meaningful to Rick:  Prairie Hospice Society Inc. (https://www.prairiehospice.org),  Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan (https://cancerfoundationsask.ca), or Birds Canada (https://www.birdscanada.org). Or, in Rick’s memory -  sit quietly in Nature and listen to her whispers.

 

“The highest tribute is not grief, but gratitude”, this we shall live.