LUFT, Richard
Richard was a prairie boy - born and bred - and a lifelong member of the Kathyrn community. He has always lived on the family farm and his varied careers included lineman (climbing poles and bringing electricity to the area), snowplow operator (he and his Dad kept the roads clear, sometimes working 24 hours a day in the winter), trucker, gravel crusher operator and farmer.
He started hauling from the combine at age 9, unloading the grain with a shovel, but that was only the start. He hauled coal from Drumheller to Calgary, asphalt for the paving of Number 9 highway, and gravel for his own company, Rock Hound. Richard had a lifelong love of trucks and trucking but chose to stop commercial driving when he turned 70. He was not a fan of all horsepower, however, especially his Shetland pony, Peanut, whom he and his sister, Dolly, rode to Hawthorne School. Peanut often returned home without the kids on his back!! Later on in life, Richard’s opinion mellowed, and he did enjoy following the racing careers of his thoroughbreds!
Richard’s love of all things mechanical included his vintage tractors, many of which he painstakingly restored. In recent years, he was happiest working with his hands in his workshop, creating beautiful furniture and picture frames for friends and family.
He had a small milking herd when he took over the family farm. However milking was not one of his favourite farming tasks. He quickly got rid of the dairy herd moving on to beef cattle. Richard was one of the first people to bring Luings from Scotland to Alberta, introducing a new breed of beef cattle to the Canadian market.
Richard was always willing to lend a hand, whether it be community involvement, Olympic volunteer, Calgary Stampede volunteer for over 30 years, Lions Club District Governor and Show Chairman of Pioneer Acres. He also enjoyed being involved in the various community sports teams: hockey, curling and his favourite baseball.
Those who knew Richard well, knew that he enjoyed playful banter, teasing friends and family but especially his grandchildren. He’ll be remembered for his sense of humour, kindness and honesty.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Janet and his son, John. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Annie, children Jean, Patrick, Elaine, Kirsty-Anne and Alastair, their partners and nine grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Richard’s favourite charity, STARS, would be greatly appreciated at: www.stars.ca
A Memorial Service was held at Mountain View Funeral Home in Calgary on August 4, 2023.
To express condolences and share memories, please visit: www.mountainviewmemorial.ca.
