Richard (Rick) Carl Illsley, 59, of Abbotsford died Thursday, June 8, 2006. Â Born in Brooklyn NY, he grew up in Key West, FL and has lived in BC since 1970. Â He is survived by his wife, Ruth (nee Wagner); daughter, Jeanette (Keith) Phillips and grandÂdaughter, Claire Phillips of Montgomery, AL; sister, Marilyn Illsley of Eustis, FL; and brother, Ronald (Jane) Illsley of Boynton Beach, FL.
A graduate of BCIT, Rick joined IBM Canada, working as a large main-frame computer service technician and later in the field of speech technology software programs for the visually impaired. Â After illness led to an early retirement, he partnered with the Canadian Council of the Blind to provide reconditioned computers equipped with adaptive speech technology to the visually impaired in the BC area, along with instruction and encouragement.
A memorial service was held Monday, June 12, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Abbotsford, with Pastor David Hilderman presiding. Â A special feature of the service was the presence of and several musical selections by two local barbershop chorus groups, First Capital Chorus of Langley and Voices of Harmony of Abbotsford, of which Rick was a faithful and enthusiastic member. Â In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Barbershop Harmony Society/GOF/BLMF, c/o Gerry Borden, 26941 27B Ave., Aldergrove, BCÂ V4W 3E5, for the promotion of vocal music education.
Henderson’s Funeral Home
604-854-5534
www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com