Obituary of John MacLeod

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rick MacLeod, in his 48th year on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at ARCH, surrounded by his loving family.  The kind, compassionate, loving husband of Ashleigh DiTommaso MacLeod and adored father of their three beautiful boys Braydon, Colton and Owen.  Beloved son of Bill and Judy MacLeod and son-in-law of Jackie DiTommaso and Fausto DiTommaso (Gabriele).  Cherished brother of Rob (Lyla) and Scott.  Amazing brother-in-law and best friend of Ryan DiTommaso (Sara Johnson), Krysten DiTommaso (Brent Edwards) and Riccardo DiTommaso.  He will be missed by his nieces Brittany and Kailin, and nephews, Alex, Ethan and Nicholas.  Special friend to Rick Dupuis, Chris Biocchi, Megan Gray, Sav Tropiano, Rob Pacione, Ed Loftstrom, Patricia Ricard and Marie-Eve Genevieve.  Rick is well known for his unwavering pride in and commitment to Tim Horton's as an Owner/Operator of two local establishments since 1995.  His dedication to the company over the past 26 years is evident through the successful and thriving business it is today.  He leaves this legacy to his wife and sons who will strive for its continued success.  Rick had a heart of gold. He was an extremely generous man, donating his time and resources to charities and other organizations in the community that he was so proud to be a member of. Rick supported many charities, including the MS Society of Canada, Autism Canada and many more. He volunteered for 7 years with Sault Search and Rescue and for many years with the Snowmobile Trail Officer Patrol (STOP) Program. Rick was also a multi-year, avid competitor in the Targa Newfoundland Car Rally, racing in the fight for a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.  Living his life to the fullest is something that Rick did every day. He had a great passion for race cars, Harley Davidson motorcycles, music and travelling with his family. Next to his friends and family, Rick's guitar collection was his prized possession.  Our late friend used and enjoyed every one of his guitars as a way to express his passion for music.  Even as he was approaching the finish line, Rick's love for music was easily noted by the guitar at his bedside, Keith Urban on the TV and constant visitors who sang and played guitar for him. His musical talent was evident in his ability to sing, play the guitar and through his most recent venture, SoundWave Ontario, a sound and lighting production business he started with a close friend.  Rick always expressed a deep passion in helping others recognize their musical talent and achieve their goals.  Although very accomplished, Rick worked extremely hard through his entire life and never forgot the people who helped him get to where he is. He gave 110 percent of his time and dedication to everything and everyone he approached throughout his life; he always went above and beyond what was ever expected of him. The lives that Rick touched was apparent in the number of visitors Rick had as he fought his final battle, the support from his friends and acquaintances has been overwhelming.  A very proud man, Rick loved to tell stories about his past and dream of the future.  Rick's hard work and dedication is unparalleled.  The sacrifice and dedication he gave to Tim Hortons was further evident when Ron Joyce, the founder of the company flew to Sault Ste. Marie to sit at his bedside for an afternoon.  The void left in the hearts and minds of everyone Rick touched will remain forever unfilled; his countless stories containing laughs, life lessons and memories of good times will be forever missed.  Although tragically short, Rick lived a full life and gave so much to his family and friends.  He will be remembered for loving, sharing, teaching and (especially) laughing. Radiating courage, tenacity, respect, honour, integrity, perseverance and leadership, Rick never missed an opportunity to create a fond memory.  Rick loved to tell stories; he would be happy to know that his stories and the stories that he will forever be the subject of will live on.   This world was lucky to have such a generous and kind man, and those who have been fortunate enough to call Rick their friend will do so with honour.  Rick fought to the very end, and we will continue with the comfort that he is not suffering anymore. Rick will always be watching from above with great pride about what he has accomplished and the lasting impression he was able to leave on his family and friends. Missed, but never forgotten; until we are able to see you again - we love you. Friends may gather at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre on Wednesday from 4 to 8 pm Funeral service to be celebrated in the Chapel on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 10:30 am with Edison Wiltshire officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted to the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH). The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the wonderful, compassionate and dedicated caregivers at ARCH, for making Rick's last few weeks with his family and friends so comfortable.