Tribute

RICHARD ANTHONY (Dick) HIBBERD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 26^th in his 91^st year at the Evergreen Extended Care Unit of the Powell River General Hospital. He is survived by his loving wife Joy of 67 years, son Rick (Marilyn), daughter Wendy (Don), daughter Patricia, and sister Shirley Koleszar. He was predeceased by beloved daughter Shelley and brother Jack. He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Jeffrey (Sarah), Tyler (Casandra), Alastair, Emily and Nicole, and great grandchildren Spencer and Valerie. A dedicated family man, in loving partnership with Joy, “Dick”, “Dad”, “Grandpa”, “Great-Grandpa”, created many wonderful memories for his extended family.

Born in Vancouver to Cyril and Gladys Hibberd, Dick was a graduate of Lord Bing High School, and of UBC with a Bachelor and Masters of Education degrees. He was a dedicated teacher, vice – principal and principal of 37 years at Brooks, Max Cameron and Oceanview High Schools in Powell River. He began his teaching career at age 19 in Lillooet BC, then taught in Proctor BC, before moving to Powell River in 1953. During his career he coached volleyball, soccer, sponsored the Future Teachers’ Club and initiated the Powell River Scholarship Fund. He was president of the Powell River and District Teachers Association and an active member of the Canadian Teachers Federation. His love for teaching and international understanding led to five trips to Africa under the CTF Project Africa for the development of aspiring teachers overseas. He retired from teaching in 1983.

As a young man Dick was an accomplished pianist, soccer player and an enthusiastic member of the scouting community achieving the distinctions of King Scout and Troop Leader. In 1941 his parents purchased property on Gambier Island in Howe Sound which became the geographic center of the Hibberd family for several generations. Over his lifetime Dick spent much of his leisure time on Gambier, often hosting family, friends and colleagues with Joy.

In 1956 Dick was a founding member of the Powell River Choral Society, now the Powell River Chorus, and remained an active charter member until 2013. He was a member of the BC Choral Society for many years, a director of the Powell River Music Academy, and on the organizing committee for the Kathaumixw International Choral Festival.

A strong social conscience led to a career with UNESCO, including a stint as the Western Canadian Chairman, and the sponsoring of various international UNESCO school conferences for his students. In 1984 he established the “Friends of Dick Matenje” Fund in honour of his good friend from Malawi.

Dick was a one-time President of the Club 13 Square Dance Club and he loved to hike with Joy and their many friends. In 1992 Dick was awarded the Powell River Good Citizen Award for 1991. Throughout his life he continued to enjoy contact with many of his former students.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either the Parkinson Society British Columbia at www.parkinson.bc.ca , or to the Stephen Lewis Foundation at www.stephenlewisfoundation.org .

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 29^th in the James Hall at the Powell River Academy of Music, 7280 Kemano Street, from 1 – 3 pm. Refreshments will be provided.

The family would like to express its thanks and appreciation to the staff at ECU for their compassionate care of Dick and the family.