It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our son, brother, uncle Richard James Kolke, in Calgary on June 13th, 2024, at the age of 63 years.

Richard was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on November 6th, 1960 to Dr. Richard Kolke and Irene Kolke (Weisbeck), then welcomed younger brother David in 1964, then adopted sister Carmen in 1968. The family resided in Melfort, Saskatchewan and in 1974, after the death of this mother Irene, step-mom Lillian Egger and step-brother Scott and step-sister Lani, joined the family. Richard graduated from MUCC, in Melfort and moved to Saskatoon. After a few years Richard resided in Calgary, then Vancouver and eventually moved back to Alberta and made Calgary his home from late 1990's to present, where he made his living as an accountant.

Richard was the life of the party, made everyone laugh. He had a smile that would light up a room and was contagious. If you were feeling down, Richard could always make you smile.

Richard was very passionate about football, especially The Redskins. He would spend his football weekends with his friends, watching the games and just having a good time, but music was Richard's life. He was a collector of anything and all things music. From a very young age he started collecting LP's, cd's and any dvd pertaining to music. Music was Richard's outlet, and there was never a time that you went to visit that there wasn't any music playing. Movies was another one of his passions. If there was a movie that you have never seen or wanted to watch something and could never find a copy, Richard would have it guaranteed.

Richard is predeceased by his mother, Irene Kolke (Weisbeck). He is survived by his parents, Dr. Richard and Lillian Kolke (Egger); his siblings, Scott (Janice) Egger, Lani (Russ) Knaus, David Kolke and Carmen (Keith) Christensen; his nieces and nephews, Mitchell (Sarah), Ryan (Jessie), Jennifer, William, Beth, Tamara (Gareth), John (Candace), Steven (Raven), Justin, Jadelynn, and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

A family service will be held.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

Smith Funeral Home Ltd., Brooks