RICHARD GERALD KONZELMAN Obituary

RICHARD GERALD KONZELMAN attended Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Richard Gerald Konzelman.

Graduation Year	Class of 1959
Date of Passing	Nov 05, 2011
About	RICHARD GERALD KONZELMAN D.M.D. We are devastated to announce the sudden passing of Richard, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Richard passed away at home Saturday, November 5, 2011 while pedaling his exercise bike and watching CNN. He is survived by Ruth, his wife, business partner and soul mate; son Kurt and grandson Zachary; daughter Ailsa and her partner Mark Fortier. Richard is also survived by sister Connie Walton (Moe); brother Bud (Florence); brother Ed; sister Janet Hilderman (Randy); brother Ron; and brother Barry (Maggie). He will also be missed by aunts, nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Agatha Konzelman, and brother Glen in infancy. Richard was born in Winnipeg on May 3, 1942. His love of the open road developed at an early age. As a toddler he was frequently brought home from his wanderings by vigilant neighbours, ministers and nearby student nurses. As a preteen he would ride the Winnipeg transit system from one end to the other just to see where it went. It came as no surprise that in later years he covered much of North America on his BMW motorcycles. On a couple of occasions he was joined on his annual road trip by Ailsa or Kurt. To him, as a father those were special memories. At an early age he developed an interest in all things mechanical and particularly aeromodelling. He and his brother Ed would work for hours on engines and planes for competition. Richard seriously considered a career as an aeronautical engineer until the demise of the Avro Arrow. When the University of Manitoba opened their Faculty of Dentistry he decided that dentistry might be the next best career. Richard graduated in 1965, bought his first sports car and began his dental career in Selkirk, MB. Little did he know how much he would enjoy his next 46 years as a dentist. Richard was inquisitive, analytical and enjoyed discussion with his patients. His discussions more than once went from the dental chair to the parking lot where both Richard and the patient could be seen peering under the hood of the patient's vehicle. He enjoyed his patients immensely. They were part of his extended family. Richard and Ruth were married in 1967 and moved to Selkirk shortly thereafter. As a child Richard had grown up in a family that loved the outdoors and had a cottage. Once he was able to convince Ruth that she would grow to appreciate mosquitoes, no running water and an outdoor biffy the cottage at Red Rock Lake became the family retreat. Ruth also learned that he considered a chainsaw to be an appropriate birthday gift for her. Over the years many happy family memories were created at Red Rock Lake. Someone once described Richard as a force when he entered a room. He was gregarious but yet an intensely private person. Much to Ruth's dismay he was opinionated, very knowledgeable and usually always right. Richard enjoyed politics, world news, history and a great scotch. He was an early riser and many of us were subjected to his early morning telephone calls reminding us to seize the day . Loyal to his friends he would often go to great lengths to help them solve a problem, even when they may have not recognized it was a problem! With his ebullient personality he may have appeared over controlling to others. But underneath it all he encouraged Ruth, Kurt and Ailsa to pursue all opportunities that came their way and to do it with the best of their abilities. He was our cheerleader. A bit crusty on the outside but a marshmallow inside. Richard was intensely proud of his children and there was a special place in his heart for grandson Zach. His death has left a tremendous void in our lives but we gain consolation in knowing Richard lived life to the fullest, enjoyed every moment of it and is now riding free on the open road. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held. Please join the family in a celebration of Richard's life on Thursday, November 10 at 4:30 p.m. at Rembrandt's Bistro PTH 44, Lockport, Manitoba. Flowers gratefully declined. Richard once said he couldn't think of a better place to live and work than Selkirk. If you so desire, and in keeping with his wishes donations may be made in his memory to the Richard and Ruth Konzelman Fund, c/o The Selkirk and District Community Foundation, Box 400, Selkirk, MB R1A 2B3. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 09, 2011