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RICHARD ARTHUR KLIEWER  Obituary pic

RICHARD ARTHUR KLIEWER

Born: Oct 05, 1955

Date of Passing: Jul 10, 2013

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RICHARD ARTHUR KLIEWER October 5 1955 - July 10, 2013 On July 10, 2013, with his wife by his side, Richard Kliewer passed away in the comfort of their home at the age of 57 after a swift and courageous battle with cancer. He is predeceased by his parents Arthur and Katie Kliewer. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Debbie Kliewer; sisters Louise Enns, Lori Hildebrand (Dave Fehr) and brother Ron Kliewer; stepsons Greg Maruca (Alana Timmerman), Doug Maruca and Chris Maruca (Christina Ambrose) along with grandsons Benjamin and Samuel Maruca as well as many nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Richard loved Manitoba and its history. He recently celebrated 30 years of employment with MTS as a technician. Rick surrounded himself with family and friends and especially enjoyed snooker nights with the boys, time spent at the family cottage and quiet times gazing at the river from the backyard. Rick was an avid photographer and bird watcher who enjoyed music and was a volunteer for many years at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Life with Rick included exciting trips to many warm and exotic destinations. We will miss his sense of humour, his wisdom and love. Special thanks to friends, relatives and members of the Palliative Care team who supported us through this trying time. Following Rick's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Friday, July 19, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, 145 Henderson Hwy. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honour to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2013

Condolences & Memories (21 entries)

  • I knew Rick from my days at MTS. I remember him as a very nice, friendly and gentle man. I ran into him on Graham Ave about 5 years ago, and still remember the nice conversation I had with him. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Laura Turner (Co-Worker) on: Jul 14, 2014

  • Here it is, almost a year later, and I have just seen the beautiful bench erected in Rick's memory in the park facing the river off of Glenwood Crescent. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. I knew him through mutual friends Kathryn and Trish. What prompted me to check about him were words on the plaque referring to his sparkling smile. That is the lasting memory I carry of him. My condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Jo-Anne Thompson (Friend) on: Jun 19, 2014

  • I went to school with Rick. Always liked him. Don't remember seeing him much after that. Long time now. Made me sad to know he was dead. He was always a good guy. - Posted by: Scott Miner (Classmate) on: Oct 06, 2013

  • Rick and I were friends for almost forty years. The amount of time spent together ebbed and flowed over the years but we always remained close. With our respective partners and our gang of friends we skiied, hiked, and travelled together; we shared many meals and parties and we danced together. We both fed birds in our backyards and compared notes on what what we saw. Once I saw a shooting star and when I spoke to Rick a few days later we realized we both saw the exact star at the same time from different places in the city. We shared with each other our successes and our losses and the stuff in between. The memorial service tributes prepared by Rick's family and presented by his niece Kathryn and his nephews Phil and Matthew, in both image and words, perfectly captured the smart, creative, witty, loving, empathetic and beautiful man he was. I still can't believe he is gone. His passing has left a hole and my heart goes out to his wife, family, and friends - all of us who love him. - Posted by: Tricia Wasney (Friend) on: Jul 20, 2013

  • The first time I saw Rick, he was striding confidently down an empty hall at Miles Mac during class time. A grade 12 guy on important Student Council business, his long, dark hair a halo behind him. Within weeks we were friends, and I'm grateful that our friendship continued for decades beyond high school. There was so much to appreciate about Rick... his easy musical laughter, his ready smile and animated style and, of course, his deep passion for living life fully. Although the world is a poorer place without this kind and generous soul, he continues to dwell in the hearts of so many... Debbie and her family, Lori, Ron and Louise, and his multitude of friends. - Posted by: Catherine Hamilton (old friend) on: Jul 19, 2013

  • I met Rick over at 360 Main St. when I got tf over as a srvc rep from Special Needs Centre and Rick was always smilin and so helpful in helping me at times goin up this long ramp in my wheelchair ...Debbie, you are in my thoughts and prayers...you and the family...he is with the angels now..and he will always be your guardian angel my sweet girl....Love u always...Brenda xoxxoxo - Posted by: Brenda Sevcik (friend) on: Jul 19, 2013

  • Please accept my condolences. I worked with Rick on and off over the last 25 years and always enjoyed our AM work-center conversations at the start of the day or lunch breaks. I'll miss his laugh, great smile, and warm personality. - Posted by: Paul (Co-Worker) on: Jul 19, 2013

  • To Debbie & family, I was deeply saddened to hear that Rick had passed on and am so sorry for your loss. Rick was a wonderful friend and one of the kindest people I've ever known. He was part of the group I hung out with as a teenager, and I will always cherish my memories of our friendship. Although we drifted apart over the years, Rick took the time to call me several times after my husband passed away unexpectedly a few years ago, offering me great comfort during a very difficult time in my life. I will never forget him. Rest in peace sweet man... - Posted by: Rita van Leeuwen (Friend) on: Jul 18, 2013

  • My condolences to the Kliewer clan, I am sad to hear of Rick's passing. I remember running with him before we started school, then later as a free spirited character from Jr. High onward. Remembering the gang walking to Monroe JH for shops, the laughs, that - smile! - Posted by: Brian (neighbor, schoolmate) on: Jul 18, 2013

  • I knew Rick as a friend and co-worker and will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family during this difficult time. Sincere Condolences, Bob & Lois Feniuk - Posted by: Bob Feniuk (Friend & Co-worker) on: Jul 18, 2013

  • Debbie my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Richard has touched many hearts and has left everyone many special memories to hold on to. R.I.P Richard - Posted by: Leslie Slobodian () on: Jul 18, 2013

  • I am very saddened to hear of Rick's passing, sad for Rick and for his loved ones. I grew up with Rick in EK. I don't think there isn't one of all my school classroom pictures that Rick isn't in. Years later I ran into Rick working in the building I used to work in and then saw him on the old Watt St bus going home, the conversation and laughter we shared was and is precious. - Posted by: Joni Floren (Friend) on: Jul 17, 2013

  • I met Richard working in the Assignment area of MTS. All the employees in Assn were happy to get a call from Richard. He was always patient and was always pleasant to talk to. He was just a nice guy. I am very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Bernice Cardinal (acquaitance from work) on: Jul 16, 2013

  • My condolences to the family. Rick Kliewer you were a kind, quiet, gentle man who often made my work life easier with your accommodating nature. You will be missed. - Posted by: Susan Harrison (co-worker) on: Jul 16, 2013

  • I started working 30 years ago with Rick in MTS construction & you could not find a nicer person than Rick , I am saddened to see Rick has passed on, God Bless my friend. - Posted by: Doug (Co-worker) on: Jul 15, 2013

  • My parents took Rick in for the last year of high school. We then lived together with a mob of friends in Woleseley in the Seventies. Though we saw each other too seldom over the years, I'm glad we never lost our "brotherhood". Be good to each other. HTD - Posted by: Clark McCaw (like a brother) on: Jul 15, 2013

  • Rick was a friend. We hadn't seen each other much these past years but he was/is part of the 'gang' from E.K. We shared some good times and those memories will never fade. Legendary parties and get togethers, love of music and great sounds, his smile and warmth will live on for eternity. - Posted by: Bill Bird (friend) on: Jul 15, 2013

  • Richard installed many, many telephones in the Norquay Building and was very friendly, professional and patient (and funny). After painstakingly installing many telephones only to be told that we had changed our mind and we would like to have it installed on the other side, without complaint he would start again with a quick "that's my job and that's why I am here". Our sincere condolences and it was a pleasure to meet you Richard. - Posted by: Staff at Government of Manitoba, 401 York Avenue, Norquay Building (Clients) on: Jul 15, 2013

  • A profound loss for anyone who knew Rick. Deepest condolences Debbie for the loss of your dear husband. - Posted by: Patricia Kuz (Debbie's cousin) on: Jul 15, 2013

  • Rick was a special friend of the Wolchock family and we will have wonderful, funny and crazy memories to cherish. God's speed Rick. God's speed. - Posted by: Mendy Wolchock (Family Friend) on: Jul 15, 2013

  • Dear Debbie and family, Please accept my condolensces. I grew up next door to the Kliewer family and spent lots of time playing outside with Rick. One of the favourite games we played almost all summer long was with a lot of kids in our neighbourhood was.....Hide and go Seek, or "Ghost" hide and tag. It was tons of fun. I remember Rick's special laugh and sometimes his mischieviousness. My sister and I had a pyjama party one night.....he and another neighbourhood friend scared us by first laying down outside the basement window at my house with their faces in the window......and then quickly flashed a flashlight on their faces. We all screamed of course and they thought it was hilarious!! It was!!!! I'm sorry that Rick was taken away from you and your family at such a young age. Please if you could give his sisters and brother a big hug from me. - Posted by: Eileen Tissot (nee Hinchey) (Neighbour on Greene Ave. ) on: Jul 15, 2013

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