Richard Mosselman

Richard Mosselman, 61 , of Victoria, British Columbia , passed away peacefully on December 11, 2017 in Victoria, British Columbia, after a sudden illness, his partner, Owen Smid at his side.
Richard was born in Hamilton, Ontario to Dutch immigrant parents, Dirk Mosselman and Reina (née  Schievink) Mosselman on December 5, 1956 . At the age of eight, his family moved to the midst of Amish country where his parents owned the general store and post office. When both his parents became ill, Richard was sworn in as the youngest postmaster in Canadian History.  He moved on to a number of different endeavours, including six years working in the mines in northern Manitoba, but ultimately returned to Canada Post where he worked as a letter carrier for the balance of his career.
Finishing his route as quickly as possible enabled him to engage in his true passion of gardening.  Having completed the Master Gardener Program at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific, Richard expressed his creativity and love through different forms of gardening and flower arrangements. The amazing garden he created at his home was featured in the Victoria Times-Colonist, Ottawa Citizen, Edmonton Journal, Vancouver Sun, National Post and Montreal Gazette. While perfecting his small-space gardening skills at home, he was also able to indulge his creativity on a grander scale with the various clients that he served throughout Victoria. He also travelled extensively, gaining inspiration from gardens around the world.
Richard was a kind, gentle, caring man, quick-witted and playful with a mischievous sense of humour.  He gave unstintingly of his knowledge of plants to anyone who asked and would do anything for his friends about whom he cared very deeply.  He enjoyed many hours with friends and family, indulging in food and wine, and his particular favourites, red gravy (ketchup) and pickle juice. He will be remembered for his kindness, humour, ability to touch the hearts of everyone he met, and of course, his love for colourful shirts and jazzy socks.
Richard is survived by his partner, Owen; sister, Hilda Bach, nephew, Chris and niece, Stephanie (Jim) , great nephew, Mason; brother and sister-in-law, Cecil and Alida Mosselman nephew, Scott (Stephanie) great nephews, Arjen and Eli; niece, Lee-Anne, and great nephews Oliver and Sawyer, niece, Jennifer (Allan), great nephew, Caleb and niece, Anna; sister and brother-in-law, Marion and Wolfgang Becker.
A celebration of life will be held at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific on April 15, 2018.
Donations in Richard's memory may be made to the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific. http://hcp.ca/

Celebration of Life

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Sunday, April 15, 2018
The Gardens at HCP 505 Quayle Rd Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V9E 2J7