It is with great sadness and a heavy heart we have to announce that ‘COL’ Richard James Horn unexpectedly went out for his final ride on April 4, 2024, at the age of 77 years. Rick was born on June 18,1946 at the Virden District Hospital in Manitoba to Jim & May Horn. He was the oldest of 3 children. Rick grew up on a farm in Woodnorth Manitoba. This is where his love of animals began as he helped his dad with the farm chores. After graduating high school in Virden he made the move out west to Alberta. Rick married Shirley Repas, the love of his life on June 8,1968 and they have been happily together for 55 years. Rick started his career in the oilfield and continued in that field for quite some time. He then took his chance in a very short lived bull riding career. When this did not pan out as expected, he proceeded to be the Rodeo Clown, which was more down his alley. He also owned a saddle shop and a successful furniture store in Red Deer. Rick’s dream was to be an auctioneer so off he went to Billings, Montana and enrolled in auction school. Over the years Rick was involved in a wide array of different auctions. Working with Richie Brothers took him all over Canada, Australia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore and Dubai. He was always so excited to share his many adventures upon his return. To say he was great at his job was an understatement. Many have called him the best auctioneer in the business. He involved himself in many charity auctions and could easily be described as the ‘loudest most generous guy around. Rick went on to set himself up in a sales yard in Blackfalds, Alberta which became his stomping grounds. He was a huge pillar in the community and the surrounding towns. Not one to sit idle, Rick found yet another calling as a rodeo and Pony Chuckwagon race announcer where he became a local icon at the Red Deer Westerner Days and surrounding district for over 30 years. People from all over raved at how he was able to get the crowd aroused and have a great time. Above all else Rick cared more than anything about the happiness of all his many friends and family. He was constantly making rounds around town stopping at various shops and businesses with Tim bits, coffee and other treats for the workers. He never failed to try and make friends with anyone. Rick took tremendous pride and involvement in all his nieces and nephews lives. He never missed one of their hockey games, other events or the chance to brag about each and every one of them. Rick is lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley and their niece Brittany who they helped raise together. His brother, Barry (Karen) Horn and Family; his sister, Marge (Dennis) Ivey and Family; brother-in-law, Brian (Linda) Repas and Family; sister-in-law, Bonnie (Roger) Monteith Hinse and Family; sister-in-law, Brenda (Tim) Boulding and Family. Rick was predeceased by his parents, Jim and May Horn; his mother and father-in-law, Vidor and Dorothy Repas; and a brother-in-law, Kent Boulding.
In life you walked beside us and guided us along the way. In death you are still beside us. Just in a different way.
As per Rick’s request there will be no formal Funeral Service. If desired, Memorial Donations in Rick’s honor may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.heartandstroke.ca. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2024-04-13
• Location : (Red Deer) Locally Family Owned (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com