Richard Allan Haapa
November 10, 1959 – March 26, 2025
Browse the obituary of Richard Allan Haapa residing in the province of Ontario for funeral details.
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Richard Allan Haapa, affectionately known as “Ric.” Friend to many, mentor to dozens, and admired and respected by everyone who came in contact with Ric. Richard passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at the age of 65, surrounded by family.
Richard was born on November 10th, 1959, in Port Arthur, Ontario. He faced suffering early in life, losing his beloved mother, Helen Haapa, whom he loved dearly. Richard fought a brave battle with colon cancer for the last three years and left knowing how loved he was by his wife, his family, friends, and colleagues. His relationships were a testament to the kindness and warmth he shared with everyone around him.
Richard’s remarkable sense of humor remained with him until the end. On the way to urgent care, he asked the paramedics to stop at Starbucks and offered to buy drinks for everyone. Ric’s ability to bring joy and laughter to any situation exemplified his generous spirit.
Throughout his life, Richard was a proud Port Arthur boy. In 1998, he relocated from Thunder Bay to Oakville, where he spent 24 wonderful years before retiring in 2021 and moving to Ridgeway, Ontario to start the next chapter of his life.
Richard’s career in the heavy equipment industry began in 1977 with Universal Logging Supplies Co. Ltd. He went on to work for Wood-Land Tractor Inc/Ontrac Equipment, Strongco Equipment, and Wajax Equipment, where he retired in December 2024 after a distinguished career.
A lover of hockey, Richard was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also enjoyed NASCAR, golf, reading, traveling, and purchasing new Toyota trucks. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends, especially enjoying Sunday spaghetti dinners and relaxing in the garage with his best friend/brother Frank.
Richard is survived by his wife, Rox-Ann Haapa, with whom he spent 39 years of marriage. He is also survived by his sisters, Brenda (Andy) Peloza, Angela Haapa, and his brother Randy Haapa. Richard will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews, AJ Haapa (My-Tien Nyguen), Madison Peloza (Pierre Demers), Kristin (Simon) Cox, Lindsay (Matt) Clare, and great nieces and nephews, Cole Mitchel, Evan, Alyssa Clare, Ethan Cox, Piper and Seth Demers. He is also survived by his godchildren, Carlie Quirion and Quinton Cox.
A private family event will take place at Two Sister Winery to enjoy his favorite foods and to remember the very special person he was.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Walkers Cancer Foundation at www.NiagaraHealthFoundation.com, which provides support to the Walkers Clinic. You can also honor Richard by scheduling a colonoscopy to help with early detection of colon cancer, which saves lives.
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Williams Funeral Services.
