LEA – Richard Carl Lea of Brooks passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2019 in Brooks after a yearlong battle with cancer at the age of 52. Rick was born on September 24, 1966 in Brooks to Ernie Lea and Violet Schaap. He grew up in Brooks and was the youngest of three children. As a child he enjoyed spending time with his close friends, Mike Maruno, Jim Webber, Shawn Little, and Gerry Isaac. At the young age of 7 or 8 years old, he and his friends decided to ride their bikes out to Lake Newell and even go camping with their tents. His older sister, Cheryl, was one of his best friends while growing up, they enjoyed doing many fun things together. Rick especially loved spending time with his Grandma Bender. A fond memory for him was going over to her house at lunch with his friends and making pasta with Ragu sauce while Grandma Bender was at work. Another fond memory for him was Grandma Bender bringing him bags of chips. Rick loved his potato chips and eventually married his wife, Debbie, who loved them as well. He told his wife that he was going to buy a lock up box, so she wouldn’t eat all of his chips. Rick had a passion for dirt bikes growing up and had a natural talent like his older brother, Gord. He travelled to many motocross races with his dad and had many fond memories. He loved motor biking and went on many trips over the years. Rick had an incredible work ethic and worked hard. He enjoyed working for the Town of Brooks mowing lawns while in high school. After high school, he was employed at Lakeside Packers for many years. Rick always went above and beyond with any job that he held. Rick had a 25 year career working in the oilfield on the service rigs. He had a special bond with his mom, and loved meeting her for coffee at Ace’s Café when she was working at the daycare centre across the street. He always shared how he loved going for coffee with his mom. Rick was at a loss when his mom passed away on July 24, 2015. He loved her very much. Rick had his first son, Jared, when he was 25 years old. He loved being a father to Jared and would do anything for his son. While living on Main
Street in Brooks, they enjoyed going to 7-11 for Slurpees and treats. Rick also enjoyed teaching and watching Jared ride his dirt bike. Rick didn’t get to see Jared all of the time, however he loved the times they had together. He was a single father so his mom stepped in to help him out in a huge way by looking after Jared while he was away working. Rick dedicated his heart to the lord after seeing God’s love shine through the people around him. He attended the Victory Church for many years and was baptized there. He enjoyed attending church and taking Jared to Sunday school. While on a single’s canoe trip with the Victory Church, Rick met his future wife, Debbie. He told his son, Jared that this was the woman he was going to marry. Rick and Debbie dated for 6 months and got married on July 4, 1998. They enjoyed attending church, movies, dinners, camping, Brooks Bandits hockey games, and coffee. They enjoyed the simple things in life. Their son, Caleb, was born on December 30, 2001 in Brooks. Rick loved being a father to another son and had a special relationship with him. Rick loved watching him grow up and spent time playing Lego, Hot Wheels, going swimming at the pool, camping, and riding bikes. Later in life, he enjoyed teaching Caleb how to ride a dirt bike, and to drive a truck. Rick was especially proud of Caleb when he went on 3 different mission trips to Mexico. He was thankful and proud to watch Caleb graduate this year. Rick loved his family the most and they were his top priority. He fought hard this past year to stay with us. Rick was so brave and courageous going through tough chemo and radiation treatments. Rick is predeceased by his mom, Violet Schaap. And is survived by his wife, Debbie, and two sons, Caleb and Jared. Rick Lea’s family: dad, Ernie Lea (Bev), Aunt Joan Lea, Uncle Bob Bender (Cathy), brother Gordon Lea (Nancy), sister Cheryl Hiscock (Trent), stepbrothers Brian Lahoda (Cindy), Greg Lahoda (Cory), stepsister Tannis Howell (Mark). And Debbie’s family: Joan Swartz (mom), Reg Swartz (Colleen), Jackie Swartz, Robert Swartz (Joan), Brad Swartz (Suzanne) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial Service was be held at 2 pm on Saturday, September 21 at Brooks Evangelical Free Church with graveside services at Brooks Cemetery. Pastor Joel Goodnough Officiated. In memory of Rick, if family or friend’s desire, memorial tributes may be made to a charity of choice. For further information, to leave a message of sympathy or to light a candle in memory of Rick, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.
