It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Allen James Richards, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend.

 

He passed away peacefully, at the age of 91, in Red Deer, Alberta on March 17, 2022, 70 years to the day he joined the RCMP.

 

Allen was born in Vancouver, British Columbia where, after receiving his education, he worked as a longshoreman until the age of 22 when he joined the RCMP.

 

He started his police career posted in many small towns in B.C. including Creston where he met the love of his life, Faye Eddy.

 

They married on July 1, 1954.  It was the beginning of a monumental love story that lasted 68 years.

 

The last 5 years of Allen’s life were devoted to giving Faye constant care and attention during her difficult and ongoing battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Allen wanted to make it perfectly clear to everyone he spoke to that the only reason he was living in a senior’s facility was to look after Faye.  He was fiercely independent and capable.

 

Even though Faye would often not recognize him, Allen attended to her needs everyday without fail.  Every night he would tuck her into bed, give her lots of kisses and tell her, “You’ll always be my sweetheart.  I love you.”  He would stay with her until he was sure she was fast asleep.

 

Allen had a storied career with the RCMP that spanned 37 years.  It ran the gamut from uniformed Constable to plainclothes and often dangerous undercover work to creating police training programs to working as a body guard for Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, several Prime Ministers, US Presidents and other dignitaries.  He was also Aide-de-camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta and received several medals and commendations recognizing his outstanding work in the RCMP.

 

Allen retired from the Force as an Inspector in 1988.

 

He is survived by his wife, Faye, his children, Robert Richards (Karen), Deborah Swainson (Peter) and Mark Richards (Peter Schmaltz), his grandchildren, Matt Swainson (Stephanie), Amanda Swainson, Ryan Richards, Amy Pope (Brad), great grandchildren, Lara, Logan, Colter and Kyrie, sister, Anne LaRochelle and many nieces and nephews.

 

A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.

 

 

• Date : 2022-03-17
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home