It is with profound love and sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Richard Kenneth Kolt on March 31, 2020 — his 80th birthday.

Left to cherish memories of Rich are Beverley, his wife of 55 years; sons, Ken (Shannon) and Kurtis (Wendy); beloved grandchildren: Kristen (Keith), Michael (Brooke), Emily, Jennifer and Katrina; and great-granddaughter, Olivia. Richard also leaves behind his sister, Linda (Doug); sister-in-law, Judy, along with many nieces, nephews and friends — all of whom enjoyed time with Rich that always started out with a hearty “Howdy doody!”

He is predeceased by his parents, Lee and Jack, as well as his twin brother, Robert, who was also his best friend.

From his early childhood in Winnipeg, music was always a large part of Richard’s life. He and his brother Bob learned to play accordion and other musical instruments, encouraged by their father Jack A. Kolt, who had his own orchestra which eventually included the “Kolt Twins” as members.

Along with Bob, Richard owned and operated Kolt Music School and Sales in Winnipeg’s North End, where thousands of children and adults learned music over the course of 45 years. It was an education facility, but also functioned as a multicultural community centre for both kids and their parents — who rather than just dropping them off at lessons, preferred to stay around and chat.

This part of his life was easily the professional accomplishment he was most proud of. Richard composed many songs for both his own band and musicians of all stripes, from Ray St. Germain to Bill Kenny of the original Ink Spots, and for record labels including A & M Records and London Recordings. His Winnipeg pride and fondness for sports was exemplified by his composition of Go Blue Bombers, the CFL team’s fight song in the 1970s.

When music lessons took a break over the summer, Richard spent his time doing many of his favourite things, like gardening in the backyard, going on road trips with his family, and watching Blue Jays games on TV — with popcorn and Diet Coke in hand. He loved the energy of Las Vegas, filling each of his many visits with gambling, seeing live shows, and chatting up other vacationers. He had a remarkable sense of humour and was practically the founding father of cringe-inducing “dad jokes” that we all secretly loved, even as we rolled our eyes.

He was fiercely proud of his family. Upon retirement, Richard and Beverley moved to St. Albert, Alberta to be closer to their elder son, Ken, and his family, and within closer proximity to Kurtis in British Columbia.

In compliance with Rich's wishes, no formal Funeral Service will be held.

The family wishes to extend special thanks and sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Chartwell St. Albert Retirement Residence for the loving care and comfort they provided Rich and our family during his stay, and the staff at Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert, Alberta — Nurse Practitioner Steve Petras and Dr. Allan McDonald, in particular.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Sturgeon Hospital Foundation at SturgeonHospitalFoundation.org.

To send condolences, please visit connelly-mckinley.com.

Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home

St. Albert Chapel

(780) 458-2222