Richard (Rick) Bissell currently in his 73rd year passed away at home on August 12 2018. Rick is predeceased by Monique, his wife of 48 years and survived by his son Shawn and daughter-in-law Sarah, sisters Mary-Anne (Phil), Carolynn (Bob), Veronica, and brother Garry (Linda). Born in Montreal on November 9, 1945, Rick married Monique in September of 1966, worked for Nortel in Montreal, and later moved to Bell Canada in Toronto and finally London Ontario. During his career with Bell Canada Rick worked internationally in the Philippines, Jamaica, Antigua, and spent almost three years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia working for Saudi Telephone where both Monique and Shawn accompanied him.
After retiring from Bell Canada in London, Ontario in 1996, Rick went into business for himself consulting for Bell Sygma, MCI, and AT&T before partnering with long-time friend and owner of Mactel Communications Inc., Michael McLafferty. Rick always found time to pursue his love of cruising the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Transatlantic with Monique and friends and of course spending as much time as possible in his favorite city, Roma, Italy. During his retirement years Rick began writing books about cruising on Celebrity Cruises’ ships and became a published author of both digital and print books for Amazon.
As per Rick’s wishes cremation has already taken place. A short visitation and interment ceremony will be held at 10.00am on Saturday, August 25th at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 303 Riverside Drive, London, followed immediately by a “Celebration of Rick’s Life” at Milos Restaurant (420 Talbot St. London, ON) where food and beverage will be served for all Rick’s friends and family.
Finally, Rick asked that a very special thank you be extended to Dr. Henry Bendheim who proved to not only be the Bissell’s doctor but a friend as well, taking care of the entire Bissell family for over 28 years providing “above and beyond” assistance and support.
In lieu of flowers the family would be grateful for a small donation to either the Salvation Army or any charity of your choice.