Richard G. Jordan helped to save Leanne C. and Jody R. Alexander from drowning, Ucluelet, British Columbia, July 29, 1987. Leanne, 12, and her brother, Jody, 9, were wading in the Pacific Ocean when they were carried seaward by a strong current. Separated from each other, they called for help. Jordan, 42, railroad conductor, was on the beach when he was alerted to the children’s plight. He Immediately entered the water, which was cold, and swam to Leanne. They made little progress toward shore because of the current. Another man from the beach swam out with an inner tube, to which Leanne then clung as she and the man swam to shore. Jordan then swam in search of Jody, whom he could not immediately see. Finding Jody at a point about 300 feet from the beach, Jordan grasped him and began to swim to shore. They were met by a woman who had swum out with an inner tube. Jody climbed atop the tube, and Jordan, whose legs and arms were becoming numb, and the woman swam to shore, towing Jody. Leanne and Jody were treated for hypothermia, and they recovered. Jordan also suffered from hypothermia, and he too recovered.
63533 – 7332
63533-7332Obituary
It is with great sorrow we announce Rick’s passing on June 19th, with family by his side in Victoria, B.C. He fought a courageous battle with cancer.
Rick will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Anne, of 51 years. Proud father of Cindy (Jim), Renee, Matt (Anne). Loving and teasing grandfather to Jordan, Emily, Katie, Rachel, Sara, Mia and Elle. Special memories with brothers Terry, Barry (Claudia), Wayne (Mary) along with loving nieces, nephews and special friends. Rick was predeceased by his parents Hilda, Robert and his sister Virginia.
Richard was a brave and valiant man, saving two children from a riptide in Tofino, B.C. He was awarded the Star of Courage and Carnegie Medal of Honour. Rick worked as a conductor, engineer and rules instructor for the Canadian National Railway. He was Regional Manager of Safety and Operating Practices in
Western Canada for Rail America. Rick later opened
his own consulting business, qualifying new railroaders, and teaching safety and operating rules practices to businesses that accessed the railroad – a job he loved.
Rick’s family was his pride and joy. He will be remembered for his witty sense of humour, morning crosswords, avid storytelling and always had a joke ready. His tireless energy and zest for life could light up a room only being fueled by Diet Pepsi and make the biggest hockey fan out of anyone in 3 hours, for the love of
the game.
Rick loved his winters in Palm Desert, sitting on his patio watching golfers tee off on 15, his hole in one award and enjoying it all alongside family, friends and special golf buddies.