RICHARD ERNEST JAQUES

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

• Rick was a special force in my life growing up on the prairies, where he and his family lived directly across the street from us. He was my older brother's close friend and so immediately a 'very cool' person to know, along with his older brother David and younger sister, Cindy. Two memorable stories come to mind as I think of Rick whereby he changed my life forever - I will never forget him. The first was when I was 5 years old, when I learned the thrill of being chased by a handsome, strawberry-blond haired 13 year old boy on a bike much bigger than mine. I had received a beautiful new, red 'two-wheeler' with white fenders a few weeks before, and it was the love of my life. One sunny day when I was out riding, Rick took it upon himself to playfully tease and chase after me, happily hollering most of the way. Fortunately, we were both riding on the sidewalk, but unfortunately, as he rode faster and I pedalled harder, my front wheel hit a rock, and in the blink of an eye, my handlebars spun out of my hands and I flew off my bike, landing on the street's curb front-teeth-first. Ouch! Five teeth broke and my gums weren't happy either. A week and a few extractions later, everything was on the mend, my bike was fine, and despite the mess I was in, I was very proud to say I lost my front teeth by being chased by Rick Jaques! To this day it remains a great story and I told it again last year to my then-three year old grandson who lost a couple of teeth almost exactly the same way. He took great comfort knowing his Nana had a similar experience and survived to tell the tale. That story will always remind me of Rick and his sense of adventure and fun. The other appreciation I had for Rick was his ability to play the guitar beautifully and teach others. When I was 12, I received my first guitar, and while I never polished off playing it very well, Rick offered to be my first teacher. He gave me three or four lessons, enough to get me reading and shifting chords, picking and strumming. He played so well and was about 19 years old at the time. As a teenager and young man I remember Rick being patient and kind, very smart, sharp-witted and with a great sense of humour and twinkling eyes. He loved to enjoy life and make other people laugh. RIP Rick, I'm sorry I didn't have one more visit with you here in Victoria before you passed. I will always remember your happy spirit as a young man and will never forget your smile and laughter as you rode your bike behind me on that day long, long ago. - Posted by: Pauline James (former neighbour) on: Jun 08, 2026

• I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Rick's Family and close friends. I got to know Rick while we both worked for the Bermuda Government. May you Rest in Peace, Rick. - Posted by: Alison Rowe (Work colleague) on: Apr 27, 2026

• Sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. We were part of a clique that met up every morning to walk to school and discuss weighty matters. Always loved hanging in Jaques rec room with the gang - Posted by: Michael Dewson (School friends) on: Apr 27, 2026

• I had the honour of meeting Rick in 2005 in Bermuda where we worked on projects together; Rick as the Electrical Engineer and I as architect. Rick was very accoplished in his work. He was kind, thoughtful and a gentleman. We cared for each other very much and were sad to part as a result of different work terms. My family really enjoyed getting to know Rick and his fun loving spirit. He was a great story teller and made all of us laugh.His memory remains eternal in our hearts. Our sincerest condolences to Rick's beautiful family. - Posted by: Christina Kokosky (Friend) on: Apr 26, 2026

• Sorry to hear about Rick. We grew up one street away in St. James on Belvedere and Mandeville St. I also saw him at Jessica Lake while visiting a friend on the other side of the lake. Paul Tilley - Posted by: Paul Tilley (neigbours) on: Apr 25, 2026