Obituary of William "Dick" Green

GREEN: William Richard "Dick" Green passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at the age of 72 years. Dick was born on February 14, 1947 in Virden, MB. Throughout his early years, he lived in Plumas and Winnipeg, moving to Douglas in the early 1960's. He attended High School at Elton Collegiate in Forrest and worked at the family owned coffee bar and service station on the #1 Highway, just North of Douglas. He met and married his high school sweetheart, Dawna Smith, on August 19, 1967 in Brandon. They welcomed their daughter, Lisa, in 1968. Dick pursued a career with the RCMP and was initially accepted. However, to his disappointment, he was ultimately rejected due to his colour blindness. Dick then obtained his teaching degree and developed his lifelong passion for mathematics. "Mr. Green" taught math and Phys Ed at Earl Oxford for approximately 30 years. He was influential in his teaching methods. He had a way of connecting with his students, making learning fun and interesting. Despite his imposing stature and commanding presence, the kids gravitated towards him – he was friendly and outgoing, a mentor to many students. "Mr. Green," along with his teaching colleague and best friend, Wayne Palidwar, were also well known for coaching girls' basketball. His daughter, Lisa, enjoyed the spirited rivalry between her Riverheights Royals team and the Earl Oxford Trojans. After leaving Earl Oxford, "Mr. Green" continued teaching, subbing at many different schools in the division, and tutoring math students. He will always be remembered as a gifted math educator. During his younger years, Dick played soccer and basketball. He enjoyed waterskiing, golf, watching football on TV, and playing cards (for money). He had a great love for dogs, rescuing three Chow Chows and of late, adopting two Westies. His greatest pride and joy in life was his relationship with grandsons, Ben and Matt. They had an incredible bond, talking daily to each other about math, history, world events and random $@!#. Dick will lovingly be remembered by his wife Dawna, daughter Lisa (Dean) Hammond, grandsons Ben and Matt, sister Karleen Green, sister-in-law Lynn Green, brother-in-law Gord (Teresa) Smith, nieces Theresa, Susan and Erin and nephew Dustin and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Eleanor Green, in-laws Jim and Maria Smith and brother, David Green. In keeping with Dick's wishes, a private family celebration will be held. Donations in memory of Dick may be made to a charity of choice.