It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Eric Christopher Howard (Ric) Latham on February 11, 2018, just a few days after his 79th birthday. He had battled COPD for several years. Born in the Ottawa area, Major ECH Latham was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons having served several peacekeeping tours until his retirement in 1989. "Ricdad" shared his love of food with his kids; bestowing the coveted Greek Granny Certificate as he decided each was acceptably accomplished in the kitchen, and there was the art of cream puff production! Music was a lifelong love also...from the catalogue of tapes in the 1970s, to the howled Willie Nelson with his sons and whistled Neil Diamond on the cottage porch.
He strongly encouraged regular family gatherings, and drove (precise to the calculated minute!) from Upper Gagetown, New Brunswick to Ontario for many Thanksgiving weekends, and other significant family events. He also joined his sisters for an annual gathering. A highlight for him in recent years was a trip to Greece (2008) on a sailboat hosted by his son Mike. But Ric’s heart belonged to the Maritimes. Home for him was on the Saint John River. His son Steve joined him faithfully to launch his boat every spring, tour up the River for a few days, and returned in the fall to put whatever boat to "bed for winter".
His response to "How are you doing?"... "Not bad for an old fat fart," will be warmly remembered and greatly missed by his children; Cheryl (Jamie), Cathy (Norm), Steven (Elaine) and Michael (Amy); grandchildren, Eric, Ryan and Nicole; sisters, Pat and Judi (Gord); many nieces and nephews and former wife Adele (Bardon).
Eric is predeceased by his parents, Eric (Mary) and Vacille (Jan Neuwirth); his sister Terri, and his grandson Dylan.
In keeping with Eric’s wishes, cremation has taken place. His desire was to have no funeral or memorial service. In memory of Ric, donations may be made to a charity important to you.
