Obituary of Richard Seldon Kerr

Richard Seldon Kerr Born in Toronto, Ontario, 30 September 1948: died in Enniskillen, Ontario, 9 April 2020; Age 71 Richard “Rich” Seldon Kerr, loving husband, proud father and grandpa, passed suddenly but peacefully at his home as a result of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, with his wife of nearly 40 years, Liz, at his side. Rich will be greatly missed by his wife Elizabeth “Liz” Ann [Cook, Salo], born in Fort Erie, Ontario; his stepson, Michael Salo of Niagara Falls, Ontario; his stepdaughter, Catherine Salo (Graham Rawlinson) of Toronto and their children, Nathalie and George; and his son, Tom Kerr of Toronto, Ontario. Also surviving him is his sister-in-law, Nancy Cook (Richard Kellaway) of Fort Erie, Ontario, and a small number of cousins and their families. Predeceased by his brother Archie (1950) and his parents Florence Isabelle Patterson (2001) and Thomas Seldon Kerr (1968). Rich was born in Toronto, but his family soon moved to a farming community north of Pickering, and he continued to reside in that vicinity until he and Liz were married in 1980. After marriage, rural life continued with a move to Enniskillen, where they lived until his passing. Following a few years working for IBM, Rich embarked on a life-long career driving trucks, hauling everything from gravel to gasoline. He was always proud of his skill as a professional driver, and everyone who knew him will agree that he was hard-working and brought honour to his profession. Upon retirement, he and Liz enjoyed life on the road as much as possible, wintering near Phoenix, Arizona. Rich loved all things mechanical and automotive, from building model cars to riding and racing motorcycles, and from a career behind the wheel of a truck to a retirement behind the wheel of a motorhome. Throughout his life, the family driveway and garage were ever-filled with all manner of cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, motorhomes, tractors, and more. His prized automotive possession was his 1968 Dodge Charger R/T, and after nearly 15 years in pieces, Rich and lifelong friend Owen Nimmo rebuilt the car this past winter in Arizona, and were able to go for a drive on his last day there. Such wonderful timing! And indeed, great timing was one of Rich’s specialties. A naturally funny guy, Rich prided himself on his sense of humour, his unique perspective, and his way with words. He accumulated friends wherever he went, and his impact on people will be his lasting legacy. Rich wanted his epitaph to read “He made us laugh”, and we couldn’t agree more. A Celebration of Life, where we can all gather together and swap stories and share memories will take place when the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions allow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bowmanville Salvation Army, or to another charity of choice.