Richard Kirscht, a lifelong resident of Wembley, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 83, after a short battle with lung cancer.

Richard was born on December 15, 1942, at the Grande Prairie Hospital and lived south of Wembley all his life. In October of 1966, he married Marleen Schubert, and together they raised three sons and a daughter.

Richard hauled logs and drove a cement truck for a few years. He started farming at an early age with his grandfather and his brother, Alex, who we all knew as “Pete.” Richard and Pete were always willing to lend a helping hand to any neighbor if needed. When working, they always made sure to stop for a smoke break. Richard also drove the school bus for 25 years. He was going to stop sooner, but his daughter Carrie said she would quit school if he stopped driving the bus.

In early years, the family would go to Stuart Lake in the summer and now have many fond memories of fishing and swimming. In later years, Marleen and Richard would go to Yuma for the winter, and they made many new friends down there. They enjoyed the music, dancing, and, of course, happy hour.

If you knew Richard, he was always reading Doctor Williams’ papers that he would get in the mail. When you came to visit, he would say, "Did you know that if you used Pascalite, it would regrow your hair?" He thought it was the fix for everything. His nephew even made him his own business card that said, “Doctor Dick: Do as I say, not as I do.”

Richard will be dearly missed by his wife, Marleen [née Schubert]; his sons, Kevin (Laurel), Darren (Jessica), and Jason (Braidie); his daughter, Carrie (Mike); granddaughters Katie, Emily (Colby), Megan, Kylie, Reese, and Tessa; grandson Blake; and great-granddaughter Nelliel. He will also be missed by his sister, Ruth; sister-in-law Jean; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Otto and Agnes Kirscht; his brothers, Alex and Eric; and his sister, Dorothy.

In honor of Richard's wishes, there will be no service. The family will be holding a private gathering at a later date.