Birth date: Nov 26, 1940 Death date: Mar 30, 2026
Rick Townend, age 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026. He was born on November 26, 1940, in London, England, within the sound of the Bow Bells of St. Mary-le-Bow Church—making him, by tradition, a true Cockney. R Read Obituary
Rick will be missed. He had such a good soul. He connected with people better than anyone else I know. I aspire to be as good.
In high school, I was fortunate to meet and become friends with Andy.
One day, while visiting Andy for the first time, we noticed some noises coming from my car. Andy and I were looking under the hood. That's when I met Rick. He came out immediately, introduced himself, as Rick, and asked what he could do to help.
I didn't know much about cars. He seemed "cool" and knew Andy so I graciously accepted his help. He quickly diagnosed and repaired the problem. I thanked him and offered to pay him for his time. He replied "absolutely not!"
After leaving, I asked Andy who that was, thinking maybe his older brother? Andy said "that's my dad".
I met back up with Rick many times at Andy's and Terry's pool parties. Rick was always at the parties socializing with the guests. Covertly keeping all of us out of trouble. Well liked by all and a key reason the parties were always safe and successful!
I feel honored to have known Rick and continue seeing his legacy in his family! God Bless! GKF288
Rick was the kind of man who brought energy and joy to a room with a legendary mustache leading the way.
From the moment I met him around 1997, that mischievous twinkle in his eye told you something was always brewing. I once watched him use scotch to light a barbecue — he saw absolutely nothing wrong with this.
He was funny, quick, and the kind of storyteller that made you lean in every time.
To Andy and the whole family, know that the laughter he gave doesn’t disappear — it stays with everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
That voice, I will never forget that voice. I'm 40 now, and I can still hear Rick's voice when I was 9 years old. I didn't know it at the time, but Rick embodied an idea for me as a growing boy of what a man is. He was truly larger than life, a man of many talents and sharp wit.
At his famous backyard parties, with is always well trained dogs, he would always take time out to ensure I was entertained. He would teach me to play duck hunt on Nintendo, and as I came into adolescence dominoes games. He offered advice when I headed off to college and was always there with warmth and pride as I grew up and saw him less and less. What a guy, Rick reminds me of where I came from and my own growth across the years, punctuated by the times I got to spend with him. I'll carry him with me always. Cheers Rick.
The power, tone and timbre of universally singular voice.
Dogs and people that kenneled on command.
Maglitto party central with Garth Brooks “Friends in Low Places” sing-alongs.
First time tried fried turkeys which then became a Temperilli family tradition.
Rousing “42” games.
Single malts. And a treasure trove of stories. The cosmos is universally poorer for your absence Rick. And universally better for your having been here. I know it was for me and my family. Godspeed.
My memories of Rick Townend involve great gatherings at the Townend home, 42 games, and his infectious smile and voice. I have been smiling a lot as these memories have been flooding my mind since finding out he has left us. I found him fascinating. He lived a full life filled with love for his family and friends.
Remembering my Dear Cousin Rick with Fondest, and remembering him for his humour and compassion. Treasured Memories will last forever. Anne Newiss xxx
Wrote this in 2017. A reflection of a memory one winter when he taught me how to clean a fish. Mr. Rick, as my siblings and I will always remember him, was larger than life and had an outsized influence on our childhoods. May he rest in peace.
Mr. Rick
The knife clicked as it ran
across each fragile fish bone
And echoed out the opening
where the head had been.
An ageless wisdom poured
from Scotch scented whiskers
A river running over rocks
with a gravelly laugh.
The fire burned and cracked
as his calloused hands pulled
the guts to one side
teaching me everything.
I had the pleasure of working with Rick at Flexible Lifeline Systems. He was such a generous and caring person. One of my favorite memories is his kindness in offering to fry turkeys for us to enjoy at Thanksgiving. Rick had a truly kind heart, and I know he will be deeply missed. Heaven has gained an angel.
Rest in peace,
Patricia Corona
Rick was always busy - one of the most active men with many projects.
I had the pleasure of working for Rick and becoming a friend and neighbor in Hide A Way. One of my memories of him was he would always bring up the noise I made with my high heels, his office was downstairs from mine and the floors were concrete - at that time Rick was still a smoker and his smoke fumes came up the wall into my office. We had continuous conversations on the subject.
He was always there for you - I was in Florida and had a TIA - he kept calling me to see if he needed to come and get me. He had an unwavering commitment to those he cared about. I will miss hearing him yell a greeting across the street.
Rest in peace! Love Pam
