It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Berl Cunningham.

Richard was born on April 3, 1941 in the log cabin on the homestead south of Girouxville and was the youngest child of Berl and Ella (Perron) Cunningham. He passed away November 15, 2010 at his home in Sexsmith, Alberta after a short battle with cancer.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Laurette (Bruneau), his two children, son Mitch and daughter Shirley (Troy) Girard. He is also survived by three very special grandchildren, Taylor and Matthew Cunningham and Dallen Girard and numerous nieces and nephews.

Left to mourn his loss is his brother, Ray Cunningham, sister, Lena (Norbert) Ouellette, and sisters-in-law, Hilda Cunningham and Rita Gunning, mother-in-law, Angeline (Gour) Bruneau as well as brothers-in-law, Roland and Edward Bruneau.

He was predeceased by his parents, Berl and Ella Cunningham and six siblings including Viva (Dave) Duguid, Vernon-Bill Cunningham, Edith (Edward) Dumont, Norman (Betty) Cunningham, Roy (Jeanne) Cunningham, Stella Cunningham and his father-in-law, Arthur Bruneau.

Richard had the opportunity to enjoy many different activities in his life.

He had various occupations, including spending several winters in Chico, California working with bees, working in the bush near Prince George, farming south of Girouxville for many years, working as a security guard for the RCMP in Grande Prairie and then security for a private company.

Richard’s greatest interests were baseball and hockey, as a player, as a coach and as a very vocal spectator.

In his retirement, he enjoyed daily coffee at Humpty’s restaurant at the Petro Canada in Grande Prairie. He could be found visiting with anyone, often striking up a conversation with strangers and sharing stories.

Richard touched many lives and will be missed dearly.

Inurnment will take place at the Girouxville Cemetery on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to attend.

Lunch will be served following the graveside service.