Richard (Dick) Wycliffe Caswell died 10 July 2023, at the age of 89, in Mission, BC surrounded by loved ones.
Dick was born 4 December 1933 in Wilkie, Sask. He believed in the promise of eternal life given by God, through Jesus Christ. He lived his faith in his daily life.
He married Barbara Higgins in Saskatoon in 1955 and they had four children. Barbara passed away in 2012. Dick married Margaret Barrington in 2017. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Margaret and six children; David (Marleen) Caswell, Bruce (Donna) Caswell, Margaret (Martin) Hyde, Craig (Lynette) Caswell, Michelle (Charles) Cockerill, and Jodie (Dan) Trayling; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was active in the YMCA from a young age and loved camp. Dick received his Bachelor of Education from the Univ. of Saskatchewan in 1957 and Masters degrees in Earth Science Education from Univ. of Rochester (NY) 1971 and in Counseling and Guidance from Idaho State University in 1973. He taught high school in Saskatchewan, BC, and Idaho; worked for the YMCA in Ontario, BC, and Idaho; and for the federal government in BC as an educator and trainer. He was an educator at heart his whole life.
Dick loved to travel and took the family on annual loops around North America in a homemade camper. Later he went on cruises and land tours on many continents. He loved woodworking and cooking for the family. In later life he enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and sewing quilts for all his great-grandchildren and for family.
Dick, Past Grand Patron, was a member of the Order of Eastern Star for 45 years having been initiated Jan 10, 1978 in Royal City Chapter #7 who consolidated with Ypres Chapter #48 on Jan 7, 2012. He affiliated Sept 9, 2009 with Mizpah Chapter #36. He was an active member of Ypres Chapter #48 and Mizpah Chapter #36 at the time of his passing. He served as Worthy Patron of his chapters 10 times and was a life member of Mizpah Chapter #36. He was elected Grand Sentinel 1998-99, AGP 1999-00 and WGP 2000-01 serving with Sister Pat Crowe. The “Circle of Friendship” Session was held June 4- 6, 2001 in New Westminster BC. His fun emblem was Winnie the Pooh and all his friends.
Brother Dick Caswell served on various committees in the Grand Chapter of British Columbia and Yukon. He was keenly active in the Rob Morris Society serving as President and Secretary. Brother Caswell served General Grand Chapter on the Courtesy Committee and “Visionquest”.
Brother Caswell was also an active member in the Masonic Lodge. He was initiated April 26th, 1955, Passed September 20th, 1955 and was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on November 22nd, 1955 in Saskatchewan Lodge No. 16, Saskatoon. VW Bro. Caswell affiliated with Union Lodge No. 9 April 3rd, 1996 and was Worshipful Master of Union Solomon Lodge No. 9 for 2005/06. He served the lodge in many capacities and was recognized for his dedication to the Craft and to his brothers by being appointed Grand Steward in 2012. He again rose to the call of the chair doing two years between 2014 - 2016. Brother Dick was a 59-year member of the Masonic Lodge at the time of his passing.
A Memorial Service for Richard (Dick) Caswell will be held at 2:00 PM on 29 July 2023 at
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 12145 Laity St, Maple Ridge, BC.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to the Christine Morrison Hospice c/o Mission Hospice Society, Mission BC.
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