LANDER, Richard “Rick”

LANDER Richard “Rick” John Lander peacefully passed away Dec. 25, 2025 in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 86. Rick loved reading historical novels, telling stories, camping, long walks, and enjoyed a life of travel, and service.
Born on May 10, 1939 in Wolverhampton, England, he experienced the realities of having a father serve in WWII, and cherished the day Jack lander returned home. His dad was his hero. Richard was the “doted on” big brother to Cheryl and Sharon. He was musically and artistically inclined and used those skills throughout his life. At the age of 18, he entered the British Army and played clarinet in the Army band. While stationed in Germany, he first encountered the “Canadian troops” and seemed to think they were somehow “better off” than the British troops. He never lost that feeling.
Nearing the end of his army service, he met and married Valerie Christine Smith on April 3, 1961. In 1962 they welcomed their first son Stuart and chose to follow that dream of a better life in Canada. Landing in Ontario, Canada with $100 in his pocket, he was here to change the future of generations yet to come.
Shortly after their arrival in Canada, they experienced great loss, as Valerie delivered a baby girl, who would only live a matter of a few days. Julie was buried even before Valerie came home from the hospital. This darling daughter would be the turning point for Richard. He renewed his faith in which his parents had raised him and returned to activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he would serve as a scout master, teacher, ward mission leader, and a temple worker and many other callings throughout his life.
Three more girls were yet to be born, Alexis, Deana and Carrie. Two years after the birth of Carrie, John would complete the Lander brood. Hardship would hit once again, when in November of 1973, their home would be engulfed in flames, and once again Rick and Valerie were starting over. This loss would solidify their decision to move west.
Rick would go on to work in various fields from advertising and design to machinist, to home builder to an oil fields inspector. Often these jobs would take him away from home for weeks, and sometimes months at a time. Finally, Richard retired from the world’s workforce, and began a 16 year service mission with the Church History Department. This was where his true passion and love was found. He loved recording, editing and preserving church videos and records and loved the opportunity to serve with area seventies and record the experiences of the European saints.
Richard is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife Valerie Christine Smith, 5 of his children-Stuart Richard (Julie Anne Castleberry) Lander, Alexis Valerie (Brent Ellis) Parrott, Deana Christine Lander (Marcell Langenberg), Carrie Angelina Lander (Barry Bezire), and John Howard Lander. He is also survived by his sister Cheryl (Norman) Cope, and Sharon (Neal) Harvey; 19 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Lander and Elsie Mae Buckingham; his daughter Julie Lander and grandson’s Skyler Potrie and Darian Lander.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday January 10th, 2026 at 10:00 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 560 Highlands Blvd, West Lethbridge, Alberta.
Interment to follow at Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond, Alberta.
To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca