Obituaries
HAUGHIAN, Richard Michael
Volume 34 Issue 7, 8 & 9 | Posted: October 11, 2020
Rick is survived and grieved for by his wife Diane (Mullaly) Haughian; daughter Meaghan Haughian (Stephane Bisson); stepdaughters Jillian Mullaly (Scott Lucano) and Lindsay Mullaly (Jeff Bean); son Robbie Stewart (Karen Stewart); grandsons Rory, Callum, Finley, William, Winston, Connor, Bryce, Jordan; granddaughter Lacey; brother Brett Haughian; sister Ada Gabriel; and many close friends and associates.
Born on July 13, 1941, Rick grew up in Calgary and Regina, and lived in Ottawa since the mid-1970s. He studied to be a priest directly out of high school and served as a Jesuit for 13 years. Rick decided to leave the priesthood but his spirituality always remained deep. He completed graduate degrees in philosophy and theology, obtaining his Doctorate in spirituality from the Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.
Rick is survived and grieved for by his wife Diane (Mullaly) Haughian; daughter Meaghan Haughian (Stephane Bisson); stepdaughters Jillian Mullaly (Scott Lucano) and Lindsay Mullaly (Jeff Bean); son Robbie Stewart (Karen Stewart); grandsons Rory, Callum, Finley, William, Winston, Connor, Bryce, Jordan; granddaughter Lacey; brother Brett Haughian; sister Ada Gabriel; and many close friends and associates.
Born on July 13, 1941, Rick grew up in Calgary and Regina, and lived in Ottawa since the mid-1970s. He studied to be a priest directly out of high school and served as a Jesuit for 13 years. Rick decided to leave the priesthood but his spirituality always remained deep. He completed graduate degrees in philosophy and theology, obtaining his Doctorate in spirituality from the Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.
For many years, Rick worked as an individual and family counsellor at Catholic Family Services, Ottawa; this role as counsellor remained a strong part of his life and his many pursuits. He taught part-time at Saint Paul University, Ottawa, and worked with the Catholic Health Association of Canada (CHAC) for 24 years, the last 11 as Executive Director. Rick was a gifted leader who provided guidance and mentorship to many. He had a special ability to listen, and his insights reflected thoughtfulness and compassion.
Since retiring, Rick devoted his time, energy and many talents to Ancoura, an organization that provides supportive housing for persons with mental health challenges. Rick was a founding member, serving as president and chair of the board of directors from 2008 to 2018. Even as Ancoura became a passion and a total commitment, he stayed involved in multiple volunteer activities and received a number of awards for his community work. Rick dedicated considerable time to his work life, but his love for, joy in and devotion to family and friends remained constant.
Rick’s family wishes to thank Dr. Bridget Thompson for her care and support of Rick this last year, nurse Melissa Glover and Dr. Tara Tucker. Though Rick was at May Court Hospice for only a few hours, the nurses there made our last hours with him very special. Many thanks to all these health care professionals.
A celebration of Rick’s life will take place when friends and family are able to be together. If you wish to remember Rick, please think of donating to Ancoura in his honour at www.ancoura.ca.
