
Richard Joseph “Rick” Eagan
June 15, 1960 – March 12, 2023, Toronto, Ontario
Survived by his beloved wife Christine and siblings Vincent (Kelly), Jim (Nancy), Charles (Robynne), Margaret, Thomas (Jodie), stepbrothers Malachy Griffin (Emily) and Ciaran Griffin (Joanne) and dear brother-in-law to Deborah and Craig and their families. Treasured uncle, remembered with love by nieces and nephews Beth, Alison, Laura, Michael, Christopher, Jennifer, Kiersten, Ben, Bailey, Meagan, Stephanie, Jessica, Rebecca, Vincent and Nicholas, Adrianne, Madeleine, Cailin, Rhys and 13 great nieces and nephews. Will be sadly missed by stepmother Bernie Eagan and mother-in-law Rita Campbell (the late Duane), Uncle Peter Hannam of Guelph, Aunt Teresa Hannam of Guelph, Aunt Marlene Eagan of Ottawa, Aunt Mary Eagan of Australia, Aunt Valerie and Uncle Neil McCorkindale of Owen Sound, as well as many cousins and their families, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Vincent Ambrose Eagan and Evelyn Marguerite Eagan, and brothers Leo and Eddie. Rick spent his 20s farming alongside his father, Vince, before moving to Toronto to embark on a career in Community Development. He devoted himself to understanding systemic and root causes of poverty and to effecting change. He was a gifted communicator, collaborator and facilitator, committed to the principle that effective social policy reflects the wisdom and experiences of those most affected. Rick found inspired ways to engage people living with low incomes to learn about their rights and advocate and organize towards building a healthy society. Throughout his professional career at West Neighbourhood House (formerly St Christopher House), Fred Victor and countless community collaborations, coalitions and volunteer roles, Rick was a thoughtful and kind influential presence who served as a trusted advisor, policy strategist and change maker. Rick was also an accomplished musician, farmer and handyman who worked quietly to support others. He loved spending time on the Eagan family farm, where he took every opportunity to help his nephew, brothers and sister, and on the Campbell farm outside Kingston. Rick relished time with his nieces and nephews and their children. ‘The Philosopher Uncle’ was known for his curiosity and keen mind, always encouraging others to ask questions and take the honourable path. A loving husband, sibling, uncle and friend, Rick carried the stories and was often the heart of new ones. Rick’s quiet brilliance, wicked wit,
warmth and humility will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to thank the kind staff of Toronto Western Hospital and Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital for their expert care of Rick over the years.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate in Rick’s honour to West Neighbourhood House (formerly St Christopher House) https://www.westnh.org/donate/ where Rick worked most of his life.
The family will receive guests at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Thursday March 16, 2023. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. James Church, Colgan on Friday March 17, 2023 at 12 pm. Interment will follow in St. James Cemetery Colgan. A reception will be held in “Cliffside Hall” at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, following the interment. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
***** PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW A RECORDING OF THE FUNERAL MASS ****
Service
Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
2pm - 4pm
6pm - 8pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. James Church Colgan
2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0
12pm
Barbara Barta says
On behalf of the CLASS Board of Directors we are very sorry to hear of your loss Tom. We are all thinking of you and the family during this difficult time.
Lorna McRae says
I had the great pleasure and privilege of meeting Rick in the late 80’s. He was a consummate gentleman and true heart in all he did. He taught me a great deal about love and living a principled life. I treasure my few visits with him over the past three decades.
Rick, Toronto and many corners of the world have grown better from your energy, wisdom and love.
Christine and family, I am sorry for your loss of his physical presence and light filled eyes and heart. Not to add any pressure to Rick… I believe his loving spirt will continue to comfort you and many others.
Jacques Douris says
My condolences to Tom and Marg and their families.
Cathy Crowe says
My heart goes out to Rick’s family, friends, and to the colleagues and service users he worked side by side with. I remember Rick as a compassionate leader and facilitator of social change and anti-poverty work. He will be missed.
Bruce & Susan Crofts & Family says
To the Eagan Family:
Rick Eagan was an outstanding human being and an example of a life committed to those less fortunate. As products of the 1960s, Robert F. Kennedy, the 36 year old Attorney General of the USA was a hero to us. He was responsible for the challenging task of integrating the school system in the USA, particularly in the Southern US and worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. In a 1966 speech to students at the University of Southern California, Kennedy stated, “you can use your enormous privilege and opportunity to seek purely private pleasure and gain, but history will judge you, and as the years pass, you will ultimately judge yourself, on the extent to which you have used your gifts to enrich the lives of your fellow man”. Kennedy was describing Rick Eagan. Rick was an inspiration to our family and many others.
Bruce, Susan and the Crofts Family
Bill Worrell says
I worked in Toronto community development for several decades and always held Rick in high esteem. My sincere condolences to family and friends.
marc ronan says
another generational loss for an amazing community family. Rick leaves a great legacy of caring and understanding on a level most will never understand. Great guy.
Olimpia Mondino says
Christine we just heard of your dear husbands passing. Sending you our heartful condolences to you and your families. May he rest in peace.
John and Olimpia Mondino
Deb & Rick Richard says
What an amazing tribute. Sending condolences to all of Rick’s family and friends.
Julia Deans says
Rick was a wonderful person whose work to bring people with lived experience and hugely valuable perspective led to system change for people with low income through MISWAA and opened the eyes of many, myself included. I will always remember his contributions, his passion for change, and his twinkling eyes and great sense of humour, and send my condolences to his family and friends.
Mary Eagan says
The Obituary says it all – what a wonderful human being Rick was and an example to us all. My condolences to Christine and all the family.
Myriam Shechter says
Dear Christine,
I met Rick at a difficult time in his life at the Aphasia Institute where I was working as a volunteer. He was the life of our group of people with aphasia; always with a smile, with an intelligent remark, with support for the members of the group. We all fell in love with him. I feel privileged to have known Rick and to have spent that time together. We also met later on and I was very glad that he returned to a normal life, where he could use his energy, goodness of heart, and all his qualities to help and inspire people. A special man, intelligent, wise and with a huge heart. He will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss, Christine
Gina and Frank Polsinelli says
I just heard of ricks passing. My condolences to you and your family.
-Gina and Frank Polsinelli
Monica Hodgkiss says
My deepest condolences to the Eagan family.
Peter McGoey says
Its with a heavy heart I am writing to express our condolences to all of the Eagan family. So many fond memories of riding out to the Eagan farm and spending days and weekends of the best fun, food and unforgettable memories. Rick and Jim had way of motivating everyone to participate in all the happenings and shenanigan’s at the farm. Thoughts and prays from Peter and Sandra and all the McGoey Family.
Lorraine Guerreiro says
Dear Tom, Jodie, Bernice and all the Eagan and related families and friends. With sympathy on the passing of Rick. He will leave a void in your lives and those whom benefited by his many efforts of help and support. May the loss you feel be balanced with the cherished memories of the words of wisdom, humour and encouragement spoken along with his humble and hard working presence during recalled shared moments together.
Theresa Wainwright says
To the entire Eagan family, we were saddened to hear of the loss of another member of your family, gone too soon. I know you will find strength and comfort from your time together as you mourn the loss of Rick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Rick and Theresa Wainwright
John and Sandie Miller says
Our sincere condolences to the Eagan family on the loss of Rick. We were neighbors of the Eagan homestead for 40 years, and have many fond memories of the entire family
Patricia and Judy Milner says
Our condolences to all the Eagan family in the passing of Rick.
Norma Frank says
My condolences to Christine and Rick’s family. Rick was a beautiful soul who I am very grateful to have known and worked with. He made such a difference in so many lives fighting for the under privileged. He will be missed by many, but he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend!
Carol Fraser says
Pete and I are so sorry to hear that Rick has passed away. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints”…and Rick was certainly a precious soul, loved by all. Our prayers and sympathy to all those mourning the loss of Rick in their life.
Hélène Duquette says
You were blessed by true love Christine and this makes your loss even more sad…
May you find some peace and strength in your family and friends presence and sincere condolences to Rick’s family and yours.
Enrique Robert says
My most sincere condolences to Rick’s love ones he was a great colleague and friend
Gregory Skelly says
To the entire Eagan clan,
I am so very sorry to learn of Rick’s passing. I remember him well
all those years ago at the farm. A great representative of a great family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all and with Rick. RIP
Gregory Skelly ,
Toronto
Jane Schilling says
My sincere condolences to the whole Eagan family on the loss of Rick.
Bernadette Bailey says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. May he Rest In Peace!
Bernadette Mark Bailey and family
Irama & Maria says
Dear Christine
Our sincerest condolences to you and your families for your deep loss.
What a beautiful tribute.
Having only met Rick on occasion I didn’t know he was such an accomplished man, but his kindness, humility & humour shone through, and I know he was loved.
Thinking of you
Maria & Irama
Renaud Courchesne says
My sincere condolences to you and Josie and your extended family . Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Renaud
Renaud Courchesne says
My sincere condolences to you and Josie and your extended family . Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Renaud Courchesne
David Kidd says
So sorry and sad to hear of your and our loss of Rick – a monument of a friend and champion for street people and a lover of life. Though we have not seen each other for years in the 1980s we shared a commitment for homeless people in downtown Toronto and we both worked for 2 of the original settlement houses, St. Chris and CNH. He was always proud of his roots and I never forgot that as the rest were going home after a long day he was heading home to the family farm to do chores. I think one of our last conversations was his about his fun with his potato gun – shooting potatoes everywhere … I will be unable to make the viewing or the funeral mass but I wanted to offer my words of condolences to the family and friends and to assure each other that Rick will be remembered fondly with pride. To Rick,
David Kidd
Lidia, Ed and Rebecca says
We are so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He was a kind, generous and smart man. He also loved to laugh and was quick with the jokes. Rick will be remembered as a humble man and will be greatly missed!
Much love and thoughts to Christine and Rick’s family.
Joan & Allan MacDonald says
To all the Eagan clan,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Rick. After reading his obituary, it’s easy to see that he treated everyone with Christianity and kindness. He will be missed by all of you and the world at large.
Rest In Peace Rick.
Joan & Allan
Tamara Ferris says
My heart is sad today. I and our community are in Rick’s debt. I volunteered with St. Chritopher / West House and saw how hard he worked to make a difference. Rick taught me so much about the power of individual citizens and how governments work. The smartest guy in the room and a go to person on policy and social justice. At the core just a lovely man who cared about the people in his community. To his family and friends thank you for sharing him. The difference he has made has no measure. Much love to you all.
The smiths says
Dear Christine and family,
Please except our deepest sympathy in this difficult time .
Lots of love and God bless you all .
Beatrix ,Douglas , Jack and Emily Smith
Kelly Young says
Marg and family,
Jeff and I would like you to know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time. May the memories of your time together be a comfort in the days ahead.
Kate Hennessy says
So very sorry for this sad time, thinking of you Vince and your family with fond memories of Rick many years ago. I know he will be missed. All my love and prayers to you all, Kate.
Tracy Heffernan says
I first met Rick many years ago when he was at Fred Victor. Our paths continued to cross over the years as we worked on issues of poverty, affordable housing, and ending homelessness. It was always a delight to see him with his wide smile, wit, kindness, and deeply reflective intellect. The world was a better place with Rick in it. He will be sorely missed. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family.
Shirley Morrow says
We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts go out to you all. Shirley and Nolin Morrow
Joanne Griffin says
Dear Christine and all the Eagan family, sincere condolences to you all, Rick was such a lovely man. Thinking of you at this difficult time and sending love from Ireland. Jo, Sadhbh and Éanna Griffin. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilís.
Jack & Mary McBride says
We are so sorry for the entire Eagan family. This is a huge loss but a beautiful testament to Vince & Evelyn for raising an amazing son.
Celia Harte says
My heart goes out to all who knew and loved Rick, especially his family. A quiet thoughtful and generous man, I met Rick when we both served on the Board of The Stop Community Food Centre many years ago. May good memories bring some comfort during this time.
Andrea Pines says
Rest in peace our beloved Rick…. it has been such a great privilege and honour to love you and to know you and to call you my friend. …thank you for coming so unexpectedly into my life over 30 years ago, and becoming my friend…what a blessing…
… your kindness…your intellect…your constant attention and work to making the world a better place…your sense of humour, you quiet beautiful disposition….
…we will take good care of your beloved Chritine… we love her so very much too ❤️❤️❤️
May your memory forever will be a blessing. Rest in peace beautiful Rick.
Sending condolences to Chrisitne and the entire family.
All our love,
Andrea, David, Bradley and Jordan Pines xoxoxox
Watton Mary says
My dearest Margaret,
My Mom and I, so very sorry for the loss of your brother! Our prayers, love, and thoughts are with you, and your entire family at this very difficult time.
Wishing your family comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in all of your families heart.
Love ❤️
Mary & Carol-Anne
Winston Husbands says
Fond memories of Rick from our mutual interest in community development and food justice. RIP, Rick. My condolences to Rick’s family.
Michele McKenzie says
Sincere condolences to Christine and the whole family. Rick made a kind and important impact on the lives of so many people. His inspiration will live on in all who knew him.
With love, Michele, Chris and Family
Joanne, Pete & family says
To the Entire Eagan Family, we are very sorry about Rick’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Joel Rosenbloom says
To Rick’s family and circle of friends.
I am saddened by the loss of a fine human being and committed activist.
I did not know Rick well but our circles intersected often when I was at Queen West CHC and he at St Chris.
He was always a gentle man with a steely core.
Thoughts to all – his role model of kindness is a what I will most remember.
Joan Kwiatkowski says
My sincerest condolences to Christine and your family, Bernie and to all the Eagans. A sad day for the families but a happy day for Rick as he is now with Our Heavenly Father, His Blessed Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit forever in Heaven. May God bless you all in your hour of need and help you get through all the tomorrows.
Joan Kwiatkowski
Rusty Cochrane says
he first time I met Rick Eagan, was my first day of grade 9 in Banting High School in Alliston.
We had just moved to the area that fall, and here I was starting High School in a totally new area, not knowing one other kid in the school. Leo was in my class and I guess that’s how I met up with Rick. Rick was a year or two older, and I recall him being very welcoming, kind, and what I considered to be the coolest older kid in the High School. One who set a good example for everyone. He helped to make those first few weeks way less intimidating. Over the years when I met him at family functions, I felt the same way I did in those first days in grade 9. You just felt welcome and at ease in his presence. I think we are all better people for knowing Rick.
A couple years back, Rick and I talked about health challenges. I know his struggles were hard on him and I know he was unselfishly concerned with how it affected the family around him. I also know that he’s smiling down on us all now, with that wonderful, calm, Rick smile.
The words Rest in Peace seem most appropriate today.
Trish Hennessy says
Rick was one of the good guys. A tremendous ally in the fight against poverty.
An important piece of his legacy includes being part of the leadership that led the Ontario government to commit to reduce poverty by 25% in five years. It was no small feat and Rick was a formidable influence.
There were fun times, too. His steady hand at the guitar in group gatherings brings me joy to this day. What I would give for another singalong with Rick and Christine.
My sincere condolences to Christine and family.
Kimberly Gibbons says
Dear Christine,
I am so so sorry for your loss, and wish you and all your loved ones peace, in this very sad time.
Thinking of you with so much compassion,
Kim
Kymm Graham says
I’m deeply saddened to hear of Rick passing. Our deepest condolences to all.
Patti Daley & Michael Kennedy says
Sincere condolences to the entire Eagan family. We’ll always picture Rick behind the wheel of the tractor.
Joanne Mabee says
We are very sorry to hear about your brother’s passing our condolences to the whole family
Tom and Gail Morgan says
Our deepest condolences to the Eagan family. RIP Rick.
Hal & Madelyn Rutledge says
Dear Christine & All of Rick’s Family
Please accept our sincere condolences. Rick was a true gentleman, loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Cindy Wilkey says
My very deep condolences to Rick’s family. Rick was a lovely person and a strong, effective collaborator. I had the very great pleasure of working with him on anti poverty advocacy in Toronto. His kind, compassionate energy and his wit will be missed.
Richard and Phil Barry says
Dear Bernie, Christine and all Rick’s family.
Sincere condolences to you all on the sad passing of Rick. What an obituary, obviously a very special man and a life well lived, sadly gone too soon. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May Rick rest in peace
Armine Yalnizyan says
Rick has shaped so many lives. Like mine.
His kindness; his quiet, self-deprecating intelligence; his quick laugh; his endless curiosity about why things work the way they do; his deep empathy; his appreciation of the basics, like the farm; the way he drew people in and affirmed their gifts, so they could give to one another; it all added up to more than just being a good person.
By his own example, he helped people see how they could do better, be better, and want to be that better person.
I met Rick early in my career and he remained a North Star throughout my life, a constant reminder that I was doing the right kind of economics, for the right reasons and the right people.
Handyman. Soul man. Guardian angel.
Questioner of the status quo.
Provider of hope.
You left us all too soon, Rick.
My heart is breaking for you, Christine.
My deep and sincere sympathies go out to Rick’s vast, endless family.
To know him was to love him.
The love he gave and inspiration he provided will travel with us all the length of our days.
Thank you for everything, Rick.
Shirley and Nolin Morrow says
We are so sorry to hear of Rick’s Passing.
Rick was a gentleman man. So giving. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time. Nolin and Shirley Morrow
Fatima and Michael says
Our sincerest condolences to Christine and all of Rick’s family.
To have known Rick – his wit, brilliance, integrity, kindness, humility and gentle spirit -has truly been a gift.
Rick will remain forever in our hearts.
Ginny & Ivor Cathcart says
We are very saddened by the news of Rick’s passing. We extend our sincere condolences to the families. Holding you all in our prayers and hearts.
Kate Morrison and Family says
Rick, steady and true, a gentle and kind man. Passionate about what was closest to his heart. His quick wit and charm lit the room. I was blessed to have known Rick and shared some earth shakin, down home kitchen geetar jamborees with him many moons ago. Rest in peace, you are home Rick. Christine, may your brave heart be eased just a little knowing your courageous warrior is surrounded in love by all those who have gone before him.
John and Kaye Groen says
Our deepest sympathy to Christine and the Egan family with the passing of Rick.
Charlotte carney says
Rick’s passing is such a loss to all those who knew him. He was a gentle and kind soul and drew out the best in everyone he connected with. May he be at peace now. Our deepest condolences go out to Christine and the Eagan family. We are so sorry to have to miss this funeral as we are away. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed and Charlotte Carney
Deb McCorkindale Jotham says
Our deepest sympathy for you and your family. Rick’s smile and words of wisdom will be missed by everyone who ever had the pleasure of being in his presence. Valerie and Neil send their deepest condolences as well, and are sad they are unable to make it to see you.
Jennifer Posthumus and Martin Orbanic says
Our deepest condolences to you, Christine, and to the Eagan and Campbell families, and to all who knew and loved Rick (and how could you know him and not love him)? What a lovely man, what a gentle soul, quick to laugh and quietly persuasive. We will remember him playing hockey on our backyard rink, playing the guitar with John Stapleton at 25 in 5 sing-alongs, and showing us his latest home improvements. May our collective memories of his goodness keep him very much alive in a world in need of more Ricks.
Karen Pace says
Dear Christine and Rick’s family,
My heart goes out to all of you. My deepest condolences on Rick’s passing. He was a great guy. It’s very sad to lose someone so young. I am out of town so will contact the funeral home to find out if the service will be broadcast on Zoom so that I can participate. We are here for whatever you need, Christine.
Vernon Burnie says
Sending my thoughts and condolences to the Eagan families
Ted & Wendy O’Leary says
Our deepest sympathies to the entire family. Unfortunately we are away and will not be able to attend the service for Rick, please know that you are all in our prayers at this difficult time.
David and Bogusia Spencer says
Our sincere condolences to the Egan family. It seems like years since we last saw Rick but remember him in the good old days on the Tottenham farm helping out with the chores.
RIP Rick.
Lee & Tim Doyle says
Our family sends out its sincere condolences to the Eagan family. I’m sorry we cannot attend the service as we are away & cannot get home in time but our thoughts & prayers are with you. Lee & Tim Doyle & family
Jackie McGoey Walters says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Marj McGoey and family
Jean Campbell says
Our sincere condolences Karen and all your family. so sorry to hear such sad news. Our prayers are with you all. Love Jean and Henry.
Bill , Natalie and family says
Our condolences to the ‘Eagan Clan’ , Christine, and extended family. When I think of Rick, I think of his mom(Evelyn), driving us to ball, hockey, etc. Dad , Vince would drive too , when the ‘boys’ (very seldom) would take over the chores, and he had some ‘free’ time!
We played ball, hockey, and went to High School together. You shall be missed my friend, tell we meet again, take care and god bless!
Tony Boston says
The Obituary describes the Rick I knew and loved so perfectly. I first met him in the early days of his time at Fred Victor Centre. I was a community organizer in Regent Park, and Rick was doing amazing work with homeless men at Freddies, and going to work on the farm over the weekends. I knew he was a special, remarkable man from the day I met him. We continued to connect through work over the years and subsequently, lucky for me, as friends. He helped me build a deck, and create a sleep loft in a tiny cabin at Camp Naivelt. His dexterity and boldness with a sawzall was something to be respected. At a difficult time in my life we were neighbours, and he would drop by for tea frequently, offered his gentle friendship, loaned me his Toyota Celica that he patched together with farm-learned creativity. It creaked, it leaked, but it ran. He was a brilliant man, with a rare ability to connect, bond with and support people in crisis with their immediate challenges, while at the same time working at strategic and academic tables on systemic, structural solutions. His humility was powerful. His opinion on anything and everything was filtered through that unique mind and was so worth paying attention to. Thanks, Rick, for all you brought to us, My deepest condolences to Christine, such a pillar of strength and determination and love, and to Rick’s family.
Rosalba says
Sincere condolences to Christine and Rick’s family for this painful loss. As a neighbor of my sister and family, I ran into him often. He was a great neighbor and a very fine man with a huge heart and a great sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mary-Lou and Ed Osborne says
We are so sad for this huge loss. Our deepest condolences. Rick was one of the loveliest people. May he be at peace
Mary-Lou and Ed Osborne
Kathy (Duffin) Todd says
My sincerest condolences to you, Jim, and the family.
Terry A. Behan says
What an accomplished humanitarian! Jeff and I send our love and condolences. Xo
Annik Sawyer says
Tom sorry for the loss of your brother Rick. Rest in Peace Rick.
Love Annik & Jason
Mark Morris says
Dear Christine,
Very sorry to hear about Rick passing away. Thinking of you & your families.
Our sincere condolence’s.
Love
Mark & Brenda Morris