Skip to main content
facts & arguments

Rick Fitchett

Husband, father, entrepreneur, coach. Born on Sept. 9, 1953, in Toronto; died on Jan. 12, 2015, in Toronto, of heart failure, aged 61.

If Rick Fitchett had been a professional hockey player, he would be remembered for playing through injuries and never missing a game or practice, being a creative goal producer, and cheerfully mentoring younger players.

Rick grew up in Toronto with his three brothers, Gary, Ron, and Terry, and played hockey and lacrosse in house and church leagues. His coaches helped to shape Rick's lifelong desire to help young people.

He always had a strong work ethic. As a student he delivered fish and chips, worked in the post office, and held many summer jobs; one grew into a full-time position for 14 years, with Rick becoming the company's marketing and promotions manager.

At 33, he started his own company, Marketing Services Network, serving trade-show exhibitors. What began in 1986 as a business operating from his garage, delivering exhibits in a small pickup truck, grew to become a successful member of the international trade-show services industry.

He and his wife, Dona Lei, whom he married in 1982, raised two children, Scott and Jenna. Rick encouraged their participation in sports, fostering Jenna's interest in baseball and Scott's preference for hockey and lacrosse. Every winter Rick built a hockey rink in their back yard. He never missed a game or an awards ceremony for his kids, and during this same period, became a coach for minor hockey and lacrosse.

For four years Rick was owner and general manager of the Scarborough Saints, a Junior B lacrosse team. He was also president of the Toronto Stars Lacrosse Association for three years. He encouraged the character development of his players, and went out of his way to help them. His office was decorated with framed quotations, such as "Believe in yourself," an attitude he fostered in young athletes.

In January, 2006, Rick suffered a massive heart attack, resulting in irreversible damage, and was not expected to live long. Yet he remained optimistic. When asked how he was doing, his frequent answer was, "Well, I woke up this morning, so to me it's a good day."

He gave up his cigars, fast food, and his favourite dishes – roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, and bacon with fried tomatoes – although he occasionally "cheated" on his diet. Dona Lei would often find him in the kitchen making salt-free cabbage rolls and stuffed peppers, or sugar-free apple crisp. He diligently managed his condition and was showcased as a model patient by the Scarborough Hospital. He was featured on the hospital's website and spoke at heart-care events. Rick said he had to learn "to live one a day at a time and to 'let go' and have faith in my cardiologist."

Rick was an inspiration to his family and many friends. "He never complained, working full-time during the last nine years of his life with a heart functioning at less than 20-per-cent capacity," son Scott noted. "He was a big tough guy with a contagious smile and laugh," said daughter Jenna.

We'll remember the laughter, and the coach who taught us much about life.

Dennis Mellersh is a friend of Rick's.

Interact with The Globe