Richard Joseph George Couturier passed away quietly in his home in Slave Lake, AB, on Thursday, August 8, 2024, just shy of his 65th birthday. Richard was predeceased by his loving parents, Marie and George Couturier.

Richard was the second-born son of Marie and George Couturier in Jean Cote, AB.

Richard is survived by his four daughters: Martina Couturier, Jeannette Couturier, Madelene Couturier, and Jeannine Couturier (Kathleen Couturier, wife); as well as five step-children: Charman Ellis (Ruth Ellis, partner), Alicia, Bruce and Krista McDonald (Suzanne McDonald, partner), and Ashley Biggs (Charlotte Flemming, partner). Richard also had nine grandchildren: Jordan, Jayne, Breeanna, Renee (Jeannette); Lahndon, Sheimys, Ajah, Phelisha (Jeannine); Kane (Madelene); three great-grandsons: Leonidas (Jayne), Atlas (Jordan), and David (Lahndon; and siblings: Rose-Jane (Rosaire), Yvonne, Roseanne (Ken), Annette, Joyce, Ed, Sue (Louis Sniezek) Doris (Bert Boucher).

Richard sadly left behind his beloved dog Target who he adopted as a puppy. Everywhere that Richard went, so did Target. It was rare to see Richard without his trusted companion at his side who he loved so dearly and who will be missing Richard immensely in the days and years to come.

With a quick mind and adept hands, Richard quickly mastered many skills. He started working at the age of 14 years, first working alongside his mother Marie, in beekeeping in Girouxville, AB. He was also a part of the team that undertook the rebuilding of the Watino bridge in Watino, AB, and received many safety awards. After that he found himself becoming a tow truck owner/operator in Dawson Creek, BC with the tow truck he built. Richard was quite mechanically inclined and could fix just about anything he got his hands on. He owned/operated two businesses in Dawson Creek; a mechanic shop on the rodeo grounds as well as a mechanic shop at the top of 8th street. His final means of employment was moving homes and buildings in Calgary, AB, and carpentry work in Slave Lake, AB and surrounding areas.

He had an immense love for the Peace country where he enjoyed fishing with his mom and sisters, and you could often find him sitting outside either on his deck or in his yard, during the evenings from early spring to late fall.

Richard will be sadly missed by all those he loved and who loved him.