Sep 01, 1949 - Sep 12, 2026

• In Loving Memory of Rick Goodfellow

We are deeply saddened to share that Rick Goodfellow passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2026, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He had just turned 77 years old on September 1. Above all, Rick was a family man who loved his two girls with all his heart.

Rick was Nicole’s cherished husband of 46 happy years. Together, they made the most of every moment, treated their partnership as a sacred union, and stood by one another as they built the life of their dreams. For nearly 42 of those years, Rick was Chloé’s devoted Daddy, protector, and steadfast source of unconditional love and support. She will always be proud to be his daughter, and the bond they shared will remain one of the greatest gifts of Chloé’s life.

On the Goodfellow side of the family, Rick leaves behind his brother Ken (Shirley); his nephews Scott (Alison) and Jordan; and his niece Angela (Ben). Despite the distance between them, his uncle Don and his cousin Vicki, both of Calgary, always held a special place in his big heart.

The Lacroix family welcomed Rick with open arms, and he loved them dearly in return. He leaves behind his brother-in-law Serge (Micheline) and his sisters-in-law Line (Peter) and Guylaine. He will also be missed by his nephews Justin (Matea), Philippe and Eric, and his nieces Chanel (Fabrice) and Lauren. And no mention of family would be complete without a shout-out to his main man, Mr. Dempsey (Michelle).

Rick’s love of life was one of the many reasons he made friends everywhere he went. His big smile and laughter, modesty, loyalty, and good old-fashioned common sense drew people to him. The many friendships he built over the years meant so much to him. Whether on a golf course, enjoying music, sipping a good martini, or treating himself to KFC, Rick embraced life fully and encouraged those around him to do the same.

Rick’s 35-year career with Canada Post, primarily in Labour Relations, reflected his strong work ethic, and belief in doing the right thing, even when doing so wasn’t easy.

Together, Nicole and Rick fell under the spell of Kenya, its beauty, its people, and its wildlife. Through their love for Kenya, Rick discovered his gift for bringing people together to give back to those in greatest need.

For 16 years, Rick proudly hosted the Rick Goodfellow Charity Invitational (RGI), raising funds for the betterment of the Olympic Primary School in Nairobi, and for high school scholarships that helped graduate more than 100 students.

In 2023, much to his surprise, Rick was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by the Governor General of Canada alongside Nicole. The honour recognized their shared contribution to improving the education and lives of thousands of children in Kenya.

Rick was a man of few words, but a man of action when it counted. His legacy will live on through his family, friends, and the good he left in this world. We will forever be grateful to have known him, admired him, and, most of all, been loved by him.

As Rick never liked goodbyes, his favourite girls Nicole and Chloé will simply say, “See you later.”

A turkey dinner with all the trimmings was Rick’s favourite meal, so every year he donated turkeys to the Ottawa Mission’s Thanksgiving Food Drive. Those wishing to honour his life may help carry on his tradition by making a financial contribution or donating a turkey in his memory.

Details of Rick’s send-off will be shared at a later date.