Richard Henriksen

life story

Richard Edison Henriksen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Edison Henriksen, resident of Dawson Creek, B.C., on June 5, 2022 at the age of 80 years. Richard was born March 23, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has been a resident of Dawson Creek since 1974, immigrating to teach the sciences and math in our schools. In his youth he attended Alexander Ramsey High School in Roseville where he was an active student excelling in football, wrestling, and track. He was recognized as an all-state football player and a champion wrestler in his weight class, helping Ramsey High to a state championship in 1960. He set state records in hurdles and 220-yard dash and also sang tenor in the school choir. Richard developed a life-long passion for ham radio while in detention in the electronics lab – he and Ron Lundeen have shared this over all these years, ever searching for the perfect antennas. Talented on the guitar, he toured in a folk band in the early 60’s. After high school, he went to the University of Colorado on a football scholarship. He decided to change career paths and turned his efforts to studies in many fields. Upon returning to Minnesota he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Eliana Raleigh, whom he married on October 20, 1961. Eliana was completing an education degree at Mankato State while Richard worked. She was hired by the Minneapolis School Board in January 1963, and he returned to the University of Minnesota, getting his degree in science education in 1967. Upon completion they moved to Grand Rapids, MN, where he taught science at the junior high. In 1971 he left to teach and lead outdoor survival excursions for the Department of Corrections at Thistledew Camp, Juvenile Correctional Facility in Togo, MN. Wanting to return to teaching, he applied for work in British Columbia and was hired in Dawson Creek. The couple applied for immigration status, sold their small home in Minnesota and moved to Canada with their three children in 1974. In 1994 they built their retirement home on an acreage near Pouce Coupe, BC. Richard lived an active life and loved the outdoors. There were many camping adventures with the family and he loved to share his knowledge of the wilderness with his children. He was a true student of life. From a very early age he had a love of knowledge and a passion for learning, reading about every topic imaginable. He was always intrigued by questions about human existence and the nature of the universe. Richard will also be remembered for his wit and sense of humour. He was a practical joker and prankster who enjoyed laughing and making people laugh. He had a passion for astronomy and even built an observatory on the acreage. He was strong of mind and body, physically fit, and still working out at the time of his illness. There was nothing Richard couldn’t do once he set his mind to it. Predeceased by his mother, Rosetta Henriksen, and step-father Ralph Henriksen, he leaves his wife and love of his life Eliana; three children Christopher, Jane, and Emily; granddaughters Jordann, Elizabeth, Anna, Stephanie, and Sarah. Also left behind are brothers Randy, Russell, sisters Roejean, and Roxanne, as well as Eliana’s siblings Bill and Jan, along with many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. A private funeral and internment will be held for family on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at Church of Christ in Dawson Creek, B.C. In lieu of flowers the family would welcome donations on Richard’s behalf to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Suite #200-885 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver BC, V6C 1N5 ; Network Ministries, 10500 13 St, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 3W5; the Salvation Army, National Processing Centre, P.O. Box 8200 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4W5 ; or the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation, 11100 - 13 Street, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3W8 ; as the family is especially grateful and in awe of the talent, care and compassion shown to Richard and his loved ones during his time in palliative care.