Obituary of Richard Terrance Loft

Richard T. Loft, passed away peacefully at Sakura House on Friday, March 2, 2018 after a courageous fight with cancer. 

He was surrounded by his wife Teresa, son Ryan, daughter-in-law Jenn and longtime friends Don & Cheryl Jordan.  He is the son of Richard Charles (deceased) and Norma Jean (Bell) Loft. 

Richard, was also known to his many friends as "Dick" and some may remember a long-ago nickname of "Magic Dick" which got shortened to just Magic over the years. This whimsical name originated many years ago over some good times with a very good friend Peter Tuttle while listening to one of their favorite musical groups called "The J. Geils Band".  It just so happened the harmonica player's name was actually Magic Dick and during their conversation Peter thought why not his friend be known as well by that name...and as they say the rest is history! 

Richard's earlier working days began as an usher at the Capital theater.  He obtained his RPN where he was then employed at the ORC (Oxford Regional Centre) where he spent a greater part of his working career until it's closure 1996.  From there he was transferred to the Ministry of Health in Kitchener where he issued Health Cards to many in the community and surrounding area. He took an early retirement to look after his daughter Sarah for a few years and then got back into the workforce as a custodian where he was thought very highly of for St. Jude's School in Ingersoll and finished his working career at St. Patrick's School in Woodstock in June 2015. 

Richard will be forever remembered for his unique personality, his way of taking time and showing sincere interest in others...what was happening in their lives especially his son Ryan who he connected with just about everyday on life in general and keeping each other up to date on sports tidbits and all the hockey stat changes. His grandchildren he was so very proud of on who they were becoming, their achievements in school and sports. He hardly ever missed a game and all others be it family, friends, hockey and baseball moms and dads from the kids sports teams. He always had a few minutes. We will miss that Richard. 

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Teresa (Momma) (White), loved father to his son Ryan (Jenn) and daughter Sarah, "Papa" to his loving grandchildren Logan, Carter & Addy. His mother Norma Jean (Bell) Loft, sisters Virginia Minihane, Sue Kirkpatrick, Cathy Loft & Deb and Dianne (Garry Honcoop) Loft, brother Peter (pre-deceased) as well by his numerous nieces and nephews and his many friends. 

Thank you for all the messages being received about Richard it brings a smile to know he was so well thought of.

A Celebration of Richard's life will be held from 1 –5 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Woodstock Navy Club, 959 James Street, Woodstock, Ontario. 

Special thanks to Sakura House and their staff of Doctors, Nurses, PSW workers, & their volunteers for their kind attentive care of Richard and help given to our family during this difficult time. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard can be made on line or by cheque to: 

VON Oxford Sakura House, #715180 Oxford County Rd 4, R. R. #5, Woodstock, ON, N4S 7V9 

Online condolences can be expressed at www.affordablefuneraloptions.ca.