Adrian Paul Richards

Sunday January 1, 2023, at age 61, Adrian Paul Richards died of septic shock brought on by pneumonia and influenza at Vancouver General Hospital. Adrian was the first child born to Rudolph and Adelheid (nee Patzak Edwards) Richards in Vancouver, BC in 1961.

Adrian died like he lived, confounding expectations and maintaining a tenacious spirit, surrounded by love from his family. He enjoyed listening to music and sometimes playing guitar. He would call the radio station for song requests or even sometimes his siblings to play his current favourite song through the phone.

If you knew him, he had your birthday committed to memory. Even if he didn’t call you that day, he’d mention you on your birthday to his family. He was the person who always reminded us to call a friend. He remembered those who were kind to him.

With a sharp wit and a rich trove of Uncle jokes, he brought a lot of laughter into the lives of his friends and family. His humour was always sweet and playful. It helped him survive 40+ years of profound mental health struggles and victories. Our family would like to thank wholeheartedly each of the many front-line health care workers who tended to Adrian’s well-being over the years.

He is survived by his parents, his siblings, Vanessa and Christopher, two nieces and one nephew, Chanel, Aysha and Treydon Richards.

For years Adrian wrapped up his daily calls to each parent and sibling by saying, ‘Get home safe’. Get Home Safe, dear Adrian. We love you and are richer for the way you loved us

In Lieu of Flowers:

Adrian first entered the mental health system at the age of 17. He was supported by many organizations and health care providers, including St Paul’s Hospital, Raincity Housing, PHS Community Services and the brilliant Vancouver Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team .

Adrian went into VGH Emergency on Christmas Eve and spent the next 7 days in the Intensive Care Unit in the hands of gifted nurses and doctors. Their service to him was extraordinary and remarkably kind, as it was each time he was admitted to VGH over the last 40+ years.

We know many people have family members who need support, housing, and healthcare from hard-working and compassionate organizations. In memory of Adrian, we ask you to consider making a donation to the Segal Family Health Centre with VGH and UBC Hospital Foundations to support the development of mental health initiatives.

Donate online at join.vghfoundation.ca/arichards, by calling 604.875.4676 or by mailed cheque made out to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation 190-855 West 12th Ave, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9

Thank you from the Richards family:

Heidi, Rudy and June, Vanessa, Christopher, Trey, Chanel, Aysha.