View Memorial Video

Shelson, Richard

View Guestbook Sign Public Guestbook Offer Private Condolence Send Flowers

RICHARD SHELSON, beloved husband of Dorothy Shelson of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at the age of 70 years.

In addition to his loving wife of 37 years, he is survived by his two sons, Patrick and Wayne, and his brother and sisters; Beth Bailey, Kevin Shelson, and Barb Fulton.

Richard was born to his parents Winnifred and William Shelson in Windsor, Ontario on Feb 1^st, 1952. In early 1981, he accepted a job in Lethbridge, Alberta with Alberta Mental Health Services, and moved across the country from Montreal, Quebec. There he met Dorothy in Lethbridge early in 1982, and got married on August 18, 1984.

Richard served the community in his role at Alberta Mental Health for 28 years, eventually retiring in 2009 as part of Senior Management of Mental Health for the Chinook Health Region. But retirement wasn't fully in the cards; he wished to continue to helping people as he had when he was a counsellor, before moving into management. He picked up work at several private counselling practices, returning to what he loved; helping people in need. His work within the Social Work community took him around North America, travelling to conferences, sitting on boards, writing university exam standards, and as a Sessional Professor at the University of Lethbridge, teaching in the Social Work department.

Outside of work, Richard was extremely active in many community groups, such as the Church Choir and Music Ministry, Wood Turners Guild, Lethbridge Running Club, the Knights of Columbus Council 1490, where he served as the Grand Knight and in the 4^th Degree, and in many other groups, councils, boards, and teams that he was part of in his 39 years in the Lethbridge Community. He was widely known for being an incredibly social individual, his infectious laughter, and was lovingly referred to as a "Social Butterfly" by Dorothy. He never turned down an opportunity to talk to someone new, and was never afraid to speak up on an issue or for what he believed in.

The family would to extend a special and extremely heartfelt Thank You to the doctors and nurses at the Chinook Regional Hospital units 4C and 5A for their kindness, laughter, and hard work. They became like a second family to both Richard and Dorothy during their time there.

Richard was well loved by the community and will be missed by far more people than he could ever know (and that's a lot of people). In lieu of flowers or well-wishing gifts, please donate to the Mental Health Foundation Alberta (mentalhealthfoundation.ca), a cause that was near and dear to his heart.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 1:30 P.M. with Father Derek Remus celebrating. The Mass will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Richard's obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Following the Mass, Richard will be laid to rest privately in Mountain View Cemetery.

I worked with Richard for several yrs and was very sad to hear of his death My condolences to u all and know u have fond memories of him As we all do

Norma Boulton, June 17, 2022

I was sad to hear the news of Richard's passing. He was my practicum supervisor and he consistently demonstrated kindness, support and caring. My sincere condolences to his family.

Jennifer Todd, June 8, 2022

Dear Dorothy, Patrick and Wayne We were very sorry to read of Richard's passing. Richard was a special person who truly cared for others. We knew him to be a great dad who was always there to give his support in all of their endeavours. He will be greatly missed. I hope you think of all his great memories during this difficult time Nancy, Paul and Matthew Walker

Nancy, Paul & Matthew Walker, June 4, 2022

To the family, I am so sorry for your loss at this time. May his legacy live on through his sons.

Julie Kindt, June 1, 2022

Dear Dorothy, Hoping that youâ€™re comforted by memories, the caring of others, and the healing power of time.

Bob Costanzo, Garry, Mary-Lyn & Anthony Beattie, June 1, 2022

Thinking of you all during this difficult time. May you be surrounded by the love and comfort of family and friends

Clayton & Bryanna Verbonac, June 1, 2022

Jack and I can't show your family enough sympathy in this time of loss. Sending much love

Laura DeKok, June 1, 2022

So sad to hear of Richard's passing. I worked with Richard in mental health for many years. He will truly be missed but always remembered with fondness and respect.

Deb, June 1, 2022

I loved the time I got to know Richard I miss him

Norm Robinson, June 1, 2022

Sending you all lots of love and prayers at this sad time. God Bless

Dorothy & Michael Tipper, May 30, 2022

I worked with Richard for many years. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Richard's family on learning of his passing.

Marlys, May 30, 2022

I was so surprised to see Richard's obituary. It sounds like Richard had been ill and I am very sorry to realize that and hear of his passing! I very much enjoyed working alongside Richard at Family Ties and appreciated his support when I consulted with him to help clients. Take care Dorothy and hope you have much support in managing the weeks ahead!

Donna Kalau, May 29, 2022

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. His joy of life and love of people was immense. Richard will be greatly missed by many.

Carline Scoville, May 29, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time..... With deepest sympathy Patti & Dominic Santangelo

Patti & Dominic Santangelo, May 28, 2022

So sorry to hear of Richard's passing. Over the years I have had contact with Richard due to our shared roots in Windsor Ontario youth groups and later in Mental Health Services in Alberta. Always a friendly face and a shared connection. Quite a history. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends.

Theresa Sheehan, May 28, 2022

Richard was so admired by Stan and myself. He was so capable. Dorothy I share your loss. This is a totally different lifestyle. Your faith and memories will give you the needed strength. In friendship. Darie

Darie Turner, May 27, 2022

I am so very sorry to hear of Richard's passing. He was an incredibly wonderful guy, but of course you know that. He was a terrific colleague whom I counted on and in whom I had complete trust, mostly in regards to clinical and private practice issues, but also in all matters social work. My condolences to all family.

Audrey Ferber, May 26, 2022

It was with great pleasure to have known and worked with Richard.

Leon ebright, May 26, 2022

It was with great pleasure to have known and worked with Richard.

Leon ebright, May 26, 2022

It was with great pleasure to have known and worked with Richard.

Leon ebright, May 26, 2022

I am a staff member at the Alberta College of Social Workers. Richard Shelson was a longtime dedicated volunteer in our organization. He was a historian and a pioneer in our profession, which included advocating for our profession to be recognized in the Health Professions Act. Richard often came to our Edmonton office for council and committee meetings. He always made the rounds at the office to say hello to staff members and ask them how they were doing. He treated every staff member with respect, showing genuine interest in our lives. He was recently featured in or magazine in an article on the 60-year anniversary of social work association. https://issuu.com/acsw/docs/acsw_advocate_summer_2021 (page 20) In 2019, he was awarded the ACSW John Hutton Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions to profession. In 2019, he was awarded the ACSW John Hutton Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions to profession. https://issuu.com/acsw/docs/d04330_bird_ascw_advocate_summer_20_lr (page 12) Richard made a real impact and he will be missed!

Charity Lui, May 26, 2022

Shelson, Richard

Guestbooks Guestbook Entries 21