Obituary of Richard Theodore Bischke

March 14, 1932 -Lousana, Alberta

September 30, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts we share that Richard “Dick” Bischke passed away at the age of 91, on September 30, 2023. He was born in the hamlet of Lousana (near Trochu), Alberta to John Bischke and Rosina (nee Tetz) on March 14, 1932. He was the second eldest of six children.

Dick was an adventurous young man who held a variety of jobs as he explored the world around him. After working at Gainers Meat, Calgary Transport, Dollar Cleaners and AAA Vending he branched out and set up his own, very successful, vending machine business which he kept for many years. Juke boxes and pinball machines were his specialties. From there he moved on to National Billiards where he became quite the pool shark. He soon created another business (RB Billiard Services) which specialized in pool table recovery and repairs all across southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. Dick often put his mechanical skills to work fixing pretty much anything that had broken down. It seemed that there was always something needing his special touch.

It was while working in the trucking business he met Jean (nee Weldon) and they were married in Youngstown, Alberta in March of 1953. Identical twin daughters: Geraldine “Gerry” and Virginia were born a year later.  Calgary became their home in 1956.

Years of square dancing, camping, and fishing, with family and friends, filled their busy schedules. In later years Dick always enjoyed a good two step out there on the dance floor. The many amazing, lasting memories and skills that were created over the years will be gratefully, passed down to the next generations. 

After Jean passed away in 1993, Dick moved to Cochrane where he quickly made even more friends.  He met Delores (nee McCaghren) while living in Cochrane and they were married in 2000.  Sadly, Dick was once again widowed in 2012 when Delores passed away.

Dick was easy going, made friends wherever he went and was always quick to share his big smile.  He became a regular at the Cochrane Legion (#15) where he enjoyed playing shuffleboard, the company of his ‘family’ there and of course, a cold beer or two.

Dick is survived, and fondly remembered, by his daughters Gerry (Walt) Norman and Virginia Smith-Jones; grandchildren Kara (Stef) Norman Lino, Ryan Norman; and great-granddaughters Adelaide Ella and Amorie Jean. Also surviving Dick are two of his siblings Jean Evans and Irene Dunsmire.  He is also survived by his best buddy, Gypsy, a 13-year-old Yorkie.

Dick was predeceased by his parents Rosina (1972) and John (1994), sister Viola Schafer (2015), brothers Ronald (2017) and Ben (2021), and son-in-law Fred Smith-Jones (2007).

We would like to thank all his Cochrane friends, his Legion family, and the fabulous team at the Southwood Hospice for their care and support.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Services will be held at the Cochrane Legion (114 Fifth Avenue, Cochrane, AB), on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.MHFH.com. If friends so desire in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #15 (Cochrane) or a charity of your choice.