Richard "Rick" Michael Cross

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rick Cross, 54, of Calgary, Alberta on Saturday, September 6, 2014.

Rick was born in Victoria, B.C. on April 14, 1960. He was raised at Moberly Lake, B.C. where he completed his grade school education. He has lived and worked in various places since then including Peace River, Grande Prairie, Winnipeg, Carstairs and Calgary.

Rick is survived by Esther, his wife of 28 years; his three children, James, Nathaniel and McKayla; his mother, Edna Elvertorp; and siblings, Kathy, David, Robert, Norman, Alan and Ronald. He was predeceased by his father, Ken and his sister, Doreen.   

Rick is best described as an amazing husband, father, friend and devoted, Godly man. He was extremely passionate, relentlessly focused and overwhelmingly generous in all of his endeavors. These attributes were clearly demonstrated in how deeply he loved and cared for his wife and children. He truly adored his wife as they journeyed together through life’s trials and victories. He saw the incredible potential in each of his kids and worked with them to develop this potential every chance he got.

Rick lived life to the fullest in everything he did, from his Christian faith, his loving family, his successful business ventures, photography, outdoorsmanship and his deep desire to positively impact those around him. He was a prolific entrepreneur, starting and selling a number of businesses over his lifetime and parlaying this business experience into many philanthropic ventures. Rick generously donated money and, more importantly, his time and focused attention to these organizations and opportunities. He has been involved in teaching Sunday school, church ministries, Camp Teepee Pole, Christian Service Brigade, Wycliffe, and various other charities. His biggest passion over the last 10 years has been working with marginalized children in countries like Haiti and Liberia. He has spent time establishing, supporting and funding orphanages in both of these countries and has had made a profound impact in the associated communities.

The family is comforted in the fact that Rick is a believer in Jesus and knows his Creator and is now with Him in heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Harvest Hills Alliance Church, 10099 Harvest Hills Boulevard NW, Calgary, AB on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 2:00 pm. Reverend Doug Frederick of Christian Life Assembly, Langley, BC will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick’s memory may be made to the charitable organization that Rick started, Unity Christian Mission, c/o Church in the Hills, P.O. Box 51091, RPO Beddington, Calgary, AB T3K 3V9.