Obituary of Richard Hallisey

Richard passed away with dignity and strength at his home in Toronto with his family by his side on the 22nd of July 2011 at the age of 70, following nearly a year-long battle with neuroendocrine cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife Pamela, his loving children Andrew (Katherine) and Lisa (John Orr), his adoring grandchildren Jack, Jane and Blake, his brothers Neil (Mars), Jim (Irene) and sister Mary Durose, nieces and nephews, his mother-in-law Mary Whitehead and the Whitehead family. He is predeceased by his mother Lorna and father Cornelius Hallisey. Richard was born in Lytton, British Columbia and at the age of 15 moved to Kelowna. In 1963, he graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelors of Applied Science (Civil-Geological Engineering). After working in the oil fields of Alberta, he went on to obtain a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario in 1968. He started his investment career at Pitfield McKay Ross as an oil and gas analyst. In 1978, he co-founded First Marathon Securities Limited where his passion for mining and the impact it had on communities around the world allowed him to develop global mining projects and financing structures that touched the lives of thousands both in Canada and abroad. Upon retirement as Vice-Chairman and Managing Director from National Bank Financial, he finally had the time to pursue his other great passions. Whether it was angling for a tyee, fixing his boats, tinkering with his cars, or building special places, he was always thinking of ways to bring his family together. Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, friend and colleague. He always had a story to tell or new project to undertake. Richard saw opportunities everywhere. The mischievous twinkle in his eye and his wry sense of humour will be sorely missed. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2011. A funeral service will be held in ST. PAUL'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 227 Bloor St. East, Toronto on Friday, July 29 at 11 o'clock. If desired, donations to "The Richard S. Hallisey Scholarship Fund" c/o The University of British Columbia or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.