Whether you knew him as Rick, Ricky, or Chuckie, you knew you could count on him.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Sinclair Sanderson on October 6, 2026.
Born and raised in Dryden, Rick was the youngest of three siblings and spent his life building friendships and connections wherever he went. He lived simply, worked hard, and loved deeply.
For nearly forty years, Rick worked in forestry and trucking, earning the respect of colleagues, friends, and countless others through his skill, determination, and unwavering work ethic. He took pride in doing things the right way and built a reputation as someone people could always depend on. From early mornings in the bush and long days running equipment to countless miles behind the wheel, he carried a lifetime of stories and friendships forged through honest work. Outside of work, Rick enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. Some of his greatest memories were made in the bush, on the water, and on the road.
What Rick will be remembered for most, however, was the way he cared for people. He was the kind of person who remembered birthdays, showed up with tools when something needed fixing, and quietly slipped out early on a cold morning to warm up someone else’s truck. He didn’t need recognition or praise. What mattered most was knowing the people he cared about were doing okay.
If you knew Rick, chances are your phone rang more than once a day with a familiar question: “What’s happenin’?” Those calls were his way of checking in, staying connected, and making sure everyone was alright. His family and friends would give anything to answer one more of those calls.
Rick was known for his sharp wit, sarcasm, confidence, and sense of humour. He had a way of making any serious situation feel a little less serious and could always be counted on for a laugh, a story, or an honest opinion. Whether he was sharing a joke, forwarding a meme, or telling stories from the road, he made life more entertaining for everyone around him.
As a father, Rick taught by example. He believed in hard work, independence, and figuring things out for yourself. His children learned many lessons at his side, whether hunting, fishing, driving, or backing up a trailer while hearing him yell, “Stop looking at the steering wheel!” before walking away so they could learn it on their own. Those lessons, delivered with equal parts patience, stubbornness, and humour, will live on forever.
Rick was the person everyone called when they needed help, directions, advice, or an answer to a question. He was steady, dependable, knowledgeable, and always willing to lend a hand. His years of experience, wisdom, and willingness to help others touched countless lives.
Above all else, Rick was a devoted father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be lovingly remembered by his son Kiegan (Anesa), daughter Kiandra (Hunter), and cherished granddaughter Sikiya; his sister Karen (Tony) and brother Rob (Karen); his nieces Bri (Matt), Ashley (Paul), and Kerri; along with many extended family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbours.
Rick was predeceased by his father, Ben, in 2003 and his mother, Joan, in 2012.
His absence leaves a space that can never be filled, but his legacy lives on through the stories, laughter, lessons, and memories he leaves behind.
A Celebration of Life to honour Rick will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Agricultural Centre.
Heaven has gained another great gear grinder.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dryden Food Bank, 62 Queen St. Dryden, ON P8N 1A4
As Kiegan said so perfectly:
“The man, the myth, the legend, Rick Sanderson passed away.
He was a great brother, father, and grandfather and will be missed by many.
Heaven gained a damn good driver to help pull that sun across the sky.”
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