RICK L. KINGSLEY

March 6, 2022

Peacefully, on the morning of March 6, 2022, Rick L. Kingsley of Goderich died in his 66th year. Rick hated his given name and gathered a series of titles throughout his life: “Binker M.L.” to Joyce (Henderson) for more than 40 years; “Daddy” to Nicole (Daniel) Griffin and “Fadder-oh” to Veronica (Michael) Mabon. His favourite of all names was “King” to granddaughters Callista, Olivia, and Rachel. He will be fondly remembered as “Wire” by sister-in-law Margaret (Ken) Young whom he lovingly called “Gertie,” and Linda Kingsley will miss the brother-in-law she watched grow from a little boy. Rick grew up in Stratford and Goderich, more like a brother to his nephews and nieces. To Danny, Michael, and Timmy, he was “Petty;” Lori and Linda were the few he allowed to call him “Rickey.” Rick is predeceased by his sister, Ruth McCarthy-Kruuv, and brother-in-law, Dan McCarthy; brother, Jim; and his parents, Roy and Eunice. Wherever he went, he was quick to make friends. He loved to tell stories and was often told that he should’ve gone into radio with his great voice. Rick loved animals (especially his pets), fishing, and nature. He never seemed to lose his sense of wonder or adventure and often played mischievous pranks. Though he battled illness for several of the last years of his life, he kept his sense of humour, and his spirit was always bright. Movies and music were always a part of Rick’s adventures, from spontaneous games of movie trivia to road trips with his buddies, through to teaching his girls to appreciate classic rock. If Rick were to have had a chance to say good-bye, he would’ve chosen a few lines from one of his favourite songs: I'm gonna free fall out into nothin'; Gonna leave this world for a while. ~ Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Thank you to all who have taken the time to share the joy that Rick brought to their lives during his time on this earth. He will always be loved and though he may have left this world for a while, he has left a legacy of stories and memories that will live on. Visitation will be held Monday, March 14, 2022, from 1-3 p.m., with the funeral immediately following. A private family interment at Colborne Cemetery, Goderich, will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Rick’s memory be made to the Ontario SPCA or Happy’s Place – Retirement Home for Dogs; arrangements entrusted to the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow. Condolences may be made on-line by visiting www.mackenzieandmccreath.com.