RICHARDSON, Glen

RICHARDSON, Glen (GR) Robert June 26, 1939 – July 19, 2026 It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Glen (GR) Richardson after complications from a fall at his home.
Glen spent his last day doing exactly what he liked: breakfast with his cousins, then on to a car show with a friend. For this, his family will always be grateful.
The son of Lawrence and Violet Richardson, Glen spent his childhood in Nanton and Vulcan, AB, fueling countless stories of adventure and mischief, captivating audiences throughout his life. From the start, he was a connector of people and was proud that he remained in contact with his elementary school friends.
The Richardsons moved to Lethbridge, AB, where Glen briefly attended the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute before deciding that the traditional classroom setting was not the place for him. His love of vehicles and natural aptitude for mechanics led him to Fleming Motors, where he applied to become a Service Technician. Recognizing Glen’s gift with people, management hired him to work at the service desk instead. Within a few weeks, he was named the youngest Service Manager in Canada.
Shortly afterward, Glen was fortunate enough to meet and marry local beauty, Jeanette Romanchuk, with whom he celebrated 65 years of matrimony in April of this year.
After welcoming three children, Todd, Kari and David, the family moved to Calgary, AB, where he made a name for himself in the city, opening several automotive-related businesses in the area, including The Used Car Chalet, 5 Star Motor Homes, Glen Richardson Pontiac Buick, culminating in the opening of Charlesglen Toyota with partners Gordon and Glen Rumpel in 1988.
As Dealer and Managing Partner, Glen’s unmatched work ethic and belief that he was in the “people business” created the culture for the successful, customer-focused business it remains today. He was proud that his life’s philosophy of “it doesn’t matter who’s right, it’s what’s right that counts” is the guiding principle by which the dealerships in which he had partnerships, including Lexus of Royal Oak and 5th Avenue Volkswagen, are managed.
Glen served as President of the Calgary Motor Dealers Association from 1998 to 1999. In 2004, he was awarded the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta Dealer of Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership, integrity, and contributions to the industry.
Glen had an innate ability to make people feel valued, whether it was someone he had known his whole life or a stranger he met in an elevator. He liked nothing more than to make his rounds at the dealerships and greet the team members with his broad, handsome grin, asking them to share a little about themselves. Some would say it was his superpower to connect with others.
His kindness and generosity of spirit went well beyond the business world and, as a proud Rotarian of 49 years, he lived by the mantra, “Service Above Self.” Glen joined Rotary South, now the Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park, serving as President from 2001 to 2002. He took pride in his almost perfect record of attendance and spent countless volunteer hours serving on committees and working late-night shifts selling Dream Home tickets as recently as July. Delighted to be in the company of children, Glen’s most recent focus was on the annual Rotary Kids at Heart Golf Tournament, supporting child-focused charities in Calgary. Glen’s commitment to Rotary extended to the Sunrise Club of Scottsdale, where he and Jeanette spent their winters, attending weekly meetings and volunteering at their annual Special Day for Special Kids Picnic.
In 2022, Glen was recognized for his commitment to volunteerism and giving back to society with the honour of receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta).
Glen lived a car-centric life from early on. At the age of twelve, he obtained his first vehicle, a 1928 coupe. In his late teens, Glen joined “The Govners Car Club” in Lethbridge, AB, customizing classic cars and building hot rods. A testament to his skills, his 1952 Chev was featured in the U.S. annual publication “Custom Cars” in 1961. Glen was a well-known attendee at local car auctions and, after a lifetime of enjoyment amassing an extensive collection, he sold them at Mecum Auction in Glendale, AZ, in 2020, donating the proceeds to charity.
As much as his business interests, volunteerism, and classic car collecting provided Glen with a full and rewarding life, nothing brought him more pride and enjoyment than being with his family. Having recently returned from a family holiday, they are eternally grateful for the memories made in his loving presence.
Those left behind to forever miss the light of his love include his beloved wife, Jeanette; his son, Todd (Natasha) Richardson; his grandchildren, Alex Richardson, Zoe Richardson, and Julia Richardson (Austin Masse); daughter Kari (Sean) Meggs; his grandchildren, Bryanna Meggs (Matt Estabillo) and Denver Meggs; his daughter-in-law, Treasure Richardson; his granddaughter, Jade McKitrick (Connor); his great-grandchild Xander, and grandson Kai MacMillen-Skead. Glen’s sisters, Norma Lebsack and Ruby Blackwood (Gerry); a large extended family, and a loving group of friends share in the deep grief of his passing.
Providing some peace as we mourn our insurmountable loss here on Earth, the family takes comfort in knowing Glen is reunited with his beloved son David, who has been intensely missed since August of 2015.
The old adage, “To know him is to love him,” was never more appropriate than when applied to Glen. We invite all who were touched by Glen’s kindness, leadership, compassion for others, and genuine love of people to join us as we celebrate his remarkable life.
A Service of Remembrance will be held in the Champion’s Ballroom of the BMO Centre (1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE, Calgary, AB), on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Champion’s Ballroom.
Please park in Lot 3. Refer to McInnis and Holloway for more specific parking instructions.
To commemorate Glen’s love for classic cars, the family requests that those in attendance with access to a classic vehicle drive it to the service in his honour, as Glen did love a good car show! Please let us know if you will be participating by emailing Rememberinggr@gmail.com.
Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Richardson’s service streamed live on the day of the service at www.MHFH.com. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.
In lieu of flowers and to honour Glen’s commitment to giving back, we ask that donations in his name be made to the registered charity the Rotary Club of Calgary at Stampede Park by e-transferring to donations@rotarycs.org or through CanadaHelps using the link: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/Rotary-club-of-Calgry-at-Stampede-Park-community-servicer-fund/. In either case, please indicate that the gift is in honour of Glen Richardson.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Glen’s family at www.MHFH.com.
In living memory of Glen Richardson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.