Dr. Richard Wesley Phidd passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday, July 29, 2021, from complications related to diabetes.
He was predeceased by his parents Juliet and Trefusus, and his siblings Susan, William, Eric, Hyacinth and Dorrett. Survived by his brothers Kelvin and Winston and sister Ivy. Beloved husband of Iskah. Dearest father of Karena, Richard Jr, Easton, and Nadia. Grandfather of Natasha and Carolyn.
Richard was born in Morant Bay, Jamaica, on January 26, 1940. He attended Morant Bay Primary School and Excelsior Secondary School before moving to Canada in 1961 to attend university. He graduated from Concordia University in Montreal in 1964 (B.A. Economics & Political Science); Carleton University in Ottawa in 1966 (M.A. Public Administration); and Queens University in Kingston in 1973 (PhD Public Administration & Public Policy). He taught at the University of Regina, Carleton University, the University of the West Indies, and the University of Guelph. During his three-decade long tenure at Guelph, where he was affectionately called “the singing professor”, he made a lasting impact on his students and was known for being a brilliant and engaging instructor. Richard dedicated his life to helping students better understand the role of the state in society and the role of public sector organizations. After retiring from the University of Guelph, he became a Fellow at McLaughlin College (York University) where he guest lectured for several years. He authored and co-authored several academic publications.
Richard’s other lifelong passion was the love of ballroom dancing and Latin and big band music. He was a great singer, an exceptional dancer which was endearing at family and friends' events over the years. After retiring, he enjoyed quality time with his family, with memorable holidays in Canada and the U.S. He passed away peacefully during a recent family cottage vacation in the Muskoka area of Canada.
His wife and children would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the caring and professional medical team at the Guelph Renal Clinic, especially Dr. Andrew Burke and the peritoneal dialysis nurses Bernadette, Sally, Rosalyn, and Susan. A special thanks to Paramed and the nurses who visited Richard’s home on a daily basis.
A small private service will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Guests may attend remotely via Zoom by clicking the link on the funeral home website. www.wallcustance.com. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Guelph.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Guelph Renal Clinic (Grand River Hospital: www.grhosp.on.ca) or the Diabetes Society (www.diabetes.ca).
A tree will be planted in memory of Dr. Richard W. Phidd in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest located in the University of Guelph Arboretum.