Richardson, Dana Edward Geard
Dana Edward Geard Richardson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dana Edward Geard Richardson, who left us peacefully on December 11, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on January 4, 1961, in Quincy, Massachusetts, Dana was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dana’s life was defined by his dedication to his family and his work. He was a hard-working, dependable, and compassionate man who poured his heart into everything he did. Over the course of his 40-year career in drywall and construction, Dana contributed to the creation of some of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks, including Polson Pier and the Air Canada Centre. His expertise and work ethic earned him respect in the industry, and he was often sought after for his skill and integrity on job sites. Yet, above all, Dana’s greatest pride was his family, and everything he did was in service of them.
A family man through and through, Dana’s love and commitment to his wife, Susan, and their children, Laura and Edward, were unwavering. Together with Susan, Dana found joy in exploring the world, travelling to new places, and making memories. One of their greatest shared passions was cooking — Dana was known for his culinary talent, and he often delighted family and friends with his famous Shepherd’s Pie and spaghetti. Whether it was around the dinner table or on a family vacation, Dana cherished these moments of togetherness.
As a father, Dana was always present, never missing a single one of his children’s sporting events — no matter the weather or time of day. He could be found at 6:00 AM hockey games or driving across the border to cheer on his kids at tournaments, always offering encouragement and love. His support knew no bounds, and he made sure that his family felt his presence at every milestone, big or small. He shared his time by volunteering at Annette Baseball and George Bell hockey with his brother in law John Lewis. He also held dear the friendships he made in high school, staying close to those he met early in life and often checking in, keeping those friendships strong as they became a second family.
Dana’s passions extended to the world of sports, where he was a loyal fan of the New England Patriots and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sunday football games were a sacred ritual, filled with his infectious enthusiasm. His love for sports wasn’t just about watching — it was about the camaraderie and connections that came with it.
Dana is predeceased by his father, Edward Richardson and survived by his loving mother Gertrude Williamson. He is also survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Susan Lewis, and their children, Laura and Edward. He was incredibly proud of them, as they are of him. Dana also leaves behind his brother, Robert Richardson, and wife Trina, and his sister, Bridget Olsen, along with her children, Andrew and Nicholas. His extended family and wide circle of friends will also miss his kindness, warmth, and unwavering loyalty.
A celebration of Dana’s life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025. The time and location will be shared at a later date. This will be a private event, and details will be communicated to those wishing to attend, please reach out to the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Dana’s honour.
Dana’s kind heart, loving spirit, and devotion to his family will be deeply missed but forever cherished by those who knew him. His legacy of love, loyalty, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of being part of his life.”
Drew and I were saddened to hear about Dana’s illness and passing. Although we only met a few times at Fiona & John’s pool, he certainly knew how to make a splash. He delighted our children, Owen and Isabella, with his epic cannonballs and playful energy. He will be dearly missed. Please accept our sincere condolences.
A tremendous loss of a truly great man, a good person inside and out. I will miss my best friend.
My dear cousin, when we were little kids, you always smiled from ear-to-ear. You lit up the room and everyone adored you. You radiated joy and laughter. You were the one to initiate a few pranks all in good fun for the rest of us to follow. And follow you we did. I’m so sorry you had to leave this earth and your loving family far too soon. I’m sending all my prayers and blessings to your family— Sue, Laura, Edward, Bobby, Bridget, and my dear Aunt Trudy. ❤️ XO
Sue and Dana.
In my mind the two are always linked. “We are going to Sue and Dana’s”
“Sue and Dana are coming over.”
Knowing Dana made me a better person. His calmness and love for Sue, Laura and Edward were always on display.
The tribute to Dana was beautifully written. It spoke to who he was and his impact on his family and friends.
We had Sue, Edward and Laura over for Christmas diner last night. It was nice and loving but Dana’s absence was felt by everyone. Dana will be missed.
Morgan likes to say you can judge a person by how they interact with pets. Kelly, Cailou and Benson all loved Dana who was always ready to provide a snack or two.
Dana was a great coach no matter the sport. He was organized and calm. He was the perfect opposite of me.
Dana took such pride in his children.
Laura and Edward are thriving in no small part to Dana’s presence in their lives.
My love to Susie, Laura and Edward. Dana will be missed.
John
We just had Christmas dinner, Dana was truly missed today and we wish he had been here to enjoy it with us and Sue, Laura and Edward. It was far too soon and we are so sorry for your loss. Dana was truly proud of his family and there was such a loving bond and lots of memories that will keep you all going. Throughout Dana’s illness, he was strong and did not complain and enjoyed the company of his family. Last May he made Sue and I a beautiful Mother’s Day dinner when he was tired and wasn’t really eating too much himself. He has made some wonderful meals over the years and we will miss the holidays spent with him. My condolences to his mom, his sister and brother as well.
I was looking for this photo before I posted not is when John and Dana were coaching Edward and Alexander in soccer. The days spent on baseball diamonds, ,hockey rinks, and soccer fields and in backyard bbq’s dance recitals, graduations birthday parties, weddings felt like they should have gone forever. We will miss you Dana but we will not forget you. You will always be part of our celebrations and our day to day lives as we remember all of the times spent together. Our children were lucky to have an uncle nearby in their childhoods and while Morgan and Alexander had much more time, William was lucky to have many years as well. We will think of you often and forever.
Suzie, Laura and Edward, I’m so sorry for your loss. I feel privileged to have spent so many family meals with all of you – at Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Dana was such a great dad – Laura and Edward – you are his legacy – and I have loved watching you grow into the wonderful caring ‘kids’ you are today. Suzie, Dana was truly your other half. What a beautiful love story you had – from a teen romance into a long, successful and happy marriage. You two had something very special that most people only aspire to. Dana will be missed and remembered by many – even people he only met once – my friends’ kids still talk about Dana’s epic cannonballs at the pool.
We will all miss his gentle presence at family gatherings.
Beautiful tribute, says it all. So many memories of Sue and Dana’s hospitality over the years. So very sorry for your loss Sue, Laura and Edward. Thinking of you.
I have always admired the respectful and caring relationship between Sue and Dana, as well as his unwavering dedication to his family. The tribute to Dana was beautifully written and truly insightful. My kids often spoke fondly of Dana and of course his amazing cooking. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue, Laura, Edward, and the entire family during this difficult time. All our love, Dave, Carla, Nicole, Adam and Kendall.
2004
A gentle man with a big heart, eyes that twinkled and a laugh that would fill a room. In conversations with Dana, you felt truly seen and heard – his ability to listen deeply, made every interaction, meaningful and effortless. An eternal optimist. We have fond memories of Dana and Sue on our adventurous trips through the Gulf Islands – no finer First Mate! Sending our love to you Suzy, Laura and Edward and all who loved this fine man.
– Linda and Gary Jefferies
So sad to hear of Dana’s passing. So many fond memories of Dana with Sue Laura and Ed.
You will be missed old friend. Hugs and love
Heather Chamberlain
It is with great sadness that I am writing my condolences to you (Sue, Laura and Edward). Dana was such a kind, loving soul with a heart of gold. I will always remember his infectious laugh and how he was just so laid back. He will be truly missed by anyone who knew him. My heart goes out to all of you and if you need anything, I’m here for you ♥️
Will miss our face times, real times, and making memory times. Can never forget meeting you in Renforth and the impact you had on Susie… a true love story which showcased your two beautiful and amazing children! You always made me and Sara feel welcomed and part of your family whenever we would visit – in Renforth, Snorten Norten, Dicky Mountain, Toronto. Don’t tell Sue but you had the best spaghetti ever! Oh, and I will always laugh when I remember walking to the restaurant in Vancouver – who knew it was that far away! I will miss you but won’t forget you Captain Caveman. Thank you for making everyone you met feel so very special. Sending all our love from down under “Turtle”, Kev, Sara, Layla, Kingston, Kobi and Chris.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful family man. Our thoughts are with you Sue, Edward and Laura, sending all our love. Auntie Mags, Ann, Graham, Lynn, Aeddon and Mathieu xoxo
Dana was a man that simply made the world a better place. Meeting him 35 years ago, I did not understand the impact he would have on my life. Dana made the most of each day and I will forever treasure the summer I spent with him in Toronto, helping with baseball. Dana gave me my first taste of fresh Dickie Mountain water and I’ll never forget the camping trip that had me ending up under a boat. Dana always put others before himself and I’m so thankful for his presence in my life. Lots of love sent to Sue, Laura, Edward, Trudie, Bobby and Bridget. My thoughts are with you all💕
It is Uncle Dana’s infectious and special laugh that will live forever in our minds – a laugh that came easily and often. Dana will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him – a wonderfully large community.
I will love and miss you always Uncle Dana, it was such a privilege growing up with you by our side xxx
So aptly described! Dana embodied family and friendship and relished those roles.
Dana – you were a part of our family for almost as long as we can remember. We had a lot of fun times together. We are going to miss you terribly but will take comfort in and remember fondly our times together.
Our hearts go out to all of those you loved but especially to Susie, Laura and Edward.
Tom and Karen
Will always remember Dana’s big, unannounced cannon balls into the pool every summer. He was a great guy – fantastic husband, father & uncle and will be dearly missed.
Sending all our love from Vancouver xoxo
Kelsey, Alex and Blake xo
It is with tears in my eyes that I read this.
My heart goes out to Suzie, Laura and Edward.
A more dedicated father and husband would be hard to find.
God bless.
Jim Lewis
So sorry for your loss. RIP Dana. X
Love you and miss you dad – you will be in our hearts forever xoxox