Richard (Rick) Earl Harrison

Richard Earl Harrison

August 29, 1954 - February 18, 2026
Stony Mountain, MB

Rick was born on August 29, 1954, in Grandview, Manitoba. Despite arriving in late summer, he was only the 4th baby registered in town that year — a detail he found amusing. His parents, Rose and Lawrence Harrison, brought him home to big sister, Cathy. In time, siblings Wayne, Laura, and Brian joined the family.

The Harrisons later moved to Winnipeg, settling on Craig Street — a place filled with childhood adventures, and fond memories. Rick was an energetic kid who kept his mom on her toes and rarely came home without a new scrape or bruise. After a time, his name was well known by the local ER nurses.

As a teenager, Rick moved to Stony Mountain and graduated from Stonewall Collegiate Institute. He went on to study computer programming at Red River Community College. In 1972, he married Donna, and together they raised their daughters, Sherianne and Melanie, in Stony Mountain.

Rick wore many hats over the years, but his longest and proudest career was with All-Fab/Olympic (formerly PB Truss and Pallet). Starting at the Stony Mountain plant in 1982, he quickly moved into truss design and sales, eventually stepping into management. When the All-Fab plant was devastated by fire in 2009, Rick was plant manager. Through resilience and steady leadership, he helped keep the operation moving forward. He retired in 2019.

Work gave Rick the opportunity to travel across much of North America, and he made the most of it. He also explored farther afield, visiting Africa, both coasts of Canada, and sunny destinations like Curaçao and Cuba. In recent years, local road trips around Manitoba with his companion, Cathy V, brought him particular joy. Rick loved a long drive, especially the tiny roadside stops along the way — camera always in hand.

As a father and grandfather, Rick valued experiences over things. He was known to gift tickets to dinner theatre, ballet, sporting events, and even axe throwing. Special pancake breakfasts, guitar lessons, and swim classes allowed him time with grandsons Thomas, Braden, Alex and Ashton. Many summers included family trips on the Prairie Dog Central and stays at Victoria Beach, where bakery smiley cookies became a cherished tradition.

Rick also loved animals — from Fluffy the cat and Sandy the three-legged dog to Dusty, Biff, and, as he fondly called her, “The Unholy Terrier, Winnie.” He appreciated life’s simple pleasures: family game nights, park picnics, quiet time by the duck pond in Kildonan Park, good music, and a solid sci-fi TV series. A lifelong reader and largely self-taught on many subjects, Rick took pride in his vocabulary and challenged himself to learn new words every day. He enjoyed photography and woodworking, but above all, he loved to travel.

To his nieces and nephews, he was “Uncle Rick” — the quieter, more reserved uncle with a perfectly timed deadpan delivery. He once convinced the younger generation that an alligator lived in his backyard pond. His understated humour reflected his love of British comedy.

Rick faced cancer with bravery and strength. The staff at Selkirk Regional Health Centre provided exceptional care, ensuring his comfort and dignity. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors, and health care aides who supported him.

A memorial and interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are invited to plant a tree in Rick’s honour or make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba.

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