November 7, 2019
Richard George Eccles passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 7th, 2019 at the Penticton Regional Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. At the age of 80, he left behind his 4 children Troy, Serena, Michelle and Brandee and was predeceased by his daughter Lisa. He is also survived by his brother Jim, nephew Mickie, niece Becky,
his 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Dad began his teaching career in 1969 as a grade 6/7 teacher at Signal Hill Elementary School in Pemberton. In 1976 he packed up the family and moved to Hazelton to start his first principalship, then continued on to Williams Lake the next year to become principal of 150 Mile Elementary. Through the years he was principal of Mount View, Cataline and retired from Chilcotin Road Elementary in June of 2000. Dad used to tell us that he couldn't wait to get to work every morning. Teaching and children were truly two of dad's greatest passions along with playing bass guitar with Sweet Ramblin' and his community band. He also loved gardening and restoring old cars so upon retirement he purchased 2 acres in Salmon Arm and proceeded to build a 2700 sq ft house at the age of 67. It was here that he built his beloved Farmers Market Garden.
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the doctors and nurses in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Summerland and Penticton for their kindness and caring. A burial only by dad's request, was held November 9th, 2019.