On Feb 26, 2021 we lost Rick to addiction. He was so much more than what he became and so we share his story.

On April 1st 1980 Brenda and Bill Lovingly welcomed their first born child Richard Marcus Lalonde and he was known in his childhood as Ricky. Many friends thought the news of his birth was an April Fool’s joke and this was reflected in Rick as he grew to love a good joke or prank. His early years were spent in Winnipeg, MB where he soon became the freckle faced red headed big brother to Renee and twins Devin and Desiree. Rick took his role as big brother seriously, walking Renee to school each morning and demanding a kiss before he walked off to his classroom. When he was 7 the twins arrived and he rounded up the neighborhood kids to come to the house and see the 2 new babies he was so proud of! Through sports like baseball, hockey and lacrosse Rick kept busy and made many friends and when the family moved to Red Deer in 1995 he found friends at LTCHS playing football. Handsome and charismatic with a contiguous laugh and big smile, Rick was able to bond with many people but never really understood how loved he was.

It was in high school when he began experimenting with drugs as the desire to fit in grew. Rick hated his addiction and the pain it caused both him and his family. He tried many times to quit but addiction is a disease which requires a program of recovery. As strong as he was, unfortunately he did not continue on with his recovery once out of treatment. After one stint in rehab he came out with a new lease on life and the desire to start over. He met Becky and fell in love with her and little Abigail and was excited to take on the role of father. As a family, they welcomed their son Hunter in May 2010 and sadly had to put a lifetime of love into 4 short days. The devastation of Hunter’s death took it’s toll on Rick but he continued to struggle along and love and grow his family. He was so proud to welcome their son Wyatt (his special Bubba) and later their baby girl Maggie (he called her his Mega) to their family. He loved all his children dearly and felt they were his best contribution to the world. We only wish he could have beat his demons to be here to participate in his kids lives and watch them grow.

He leaves behind so many people that loved him and tried to help him along the way.

A memorial service will be held in the future when health restrictions allow.

In lieu of flowers, please learn about the signs of addiction and seek help. Addiction is a family disease as we all suffer the effects.

• Date : 2021-02-26
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home