Obituary - Sarah Richards

John and Kendra,
This has been such a difficult time for you and I hope you both find comfort in the special memories that you all had together. Take care of each other!

My deepest condolences. Sarah and I attended Mount Doug Sr Secondary together in Victoria. She was a great friend and I remember our conversations & lots of laughs shared with Junichiro, one of the Japanese exchange students. May all the wonderful memories of Sarah be an everlasting comfort to her family & loved ones.

My condolences to John and Kendra. Sarah was a special person who touched many lives. She will be dearly remembered with love.

John, Kendra & family,

I just wanted to express my sympathy's on the sudden death of Sarah. Our families grew up together in Oak Bay and attended school throughout the years. Always recall Sarah as being a lovely happy young girl. I connected on Facebook years ago and enjoyed following her posts.

May all the memories of times spent together help you through this time and stay forever in your hearts.

Take care and hugs,
Alison Dickson
Victoria, BC

I don’t think I can fully encapsulate how Sarah touched my life in a single message, but I will try. Her classroom was a welcome haven for me when I was going through a particularly hard bout of depression in high school, and through her enthusiasm, love, and kindness, she became a safe person to confide in about all the things going on in my life. She kickstarted my love of the Japanese language and Studio Ghibli, and I will never forget watching Spirited Away for the first time in her classroom—it is one of my favourite memories of her. She was an absolutely amazing teacher, and an even more amazing person. I was so lucky to know her, even for such a short time.

I send my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. ❤️

My wife Eleanor and I met and became friends with Sarah while we lived in Japan. She was and is a wonderful human being and such a joy to be around. We have stayed connected over Facebook, and we're so saddened to hear of Sarah’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. She was such a wonderful friend to have, and our prayers are with you. Many wonderful memories, and may you all have solace in those.

My deepest condolences to the family. Mrs. Richards was one the the best teachers I had in high school and I always looked back on her class with fond memories even long after graduating. She touched a lot of students lives and will be dearly missed.

I am so so sad to hear about Sarah's passing and I wanted to share my memories of her.

I don't know when or where I met Sarah, but we travelled through elementary and high school together until we both decided to breakout of Oak Bay High and transfer to Mount Doug (for the parties). In about 9th or 10th grade, Sarah and I would walk to Willows Beach and lay on the sand looking at the stars. We would blow each other's minds talking about light years and other universes for hours.

She would catch a ride on my scooter in the mornings and we would scoot to Mt. Doug and back. Her love of Japan and passion for the language always impressed me; she was a smart, funny, grounded person and I was proud to be her friend.

After graduation, we lost touch, but I always kept up with her on Facebook. I'm not surprised to hear she was a teacher, an advocate, and touched so many lives. She made this world a way better place for being in it, and I will miss her.

Positive hugs, health & healing for John, Kendra & the Stinchcombe Families.
I first met Sarah, September of 1998 when we received our contract with MHPSD #76. A friend & colleague who shared many of the same hobbies & interests as myself. Through the past 25 years Sarahs' spirit and friendship were valuable to me. She was always encouraging people and lead through example. Our lives are better because we knew her:) She will always be a treasured friend & colleague.
Arlene Cooper

せんせい、ありがとうございます。

John and Kendra I am so very sorry about Sarah's passing. When Richard told me I was in shock. Kendra, your mom was my first friend in life. Your Grandma Susan and my mom Rhonda were both nurses and best friends. Sarah and I were 3 when we met. Our families spent every Christmas together until we were 17. We also had lots of sleep overs and adventures.

Your mom was the brave one of the two of us..let's just say we got into some trouble as kids out looking for adventures :) . Your mom growing up with 3 brothers, was fearless, exceptionally strong and determined and I loved that about her. She inspired me and then went on to inspire her students and I know you as well. We lost touch for many years-I moved to Australia in my early 20's but later we reconnected on FB. I was not at all surprised about her achievements and travel. Her love for you and your dad really made me smile. My rebel friend had found her grounding and reason in life. She loved you both so much. I know how incredibly hard this is for you both Kendra and John and I hope you find comfort in the assurance of that love and all the wonderful memories you have (soon). My thoughts are with you and I am sending you strength and love. Kim xo

Mrs. Richards taught me Japanese during my time in high school and I look back fondly on those days. She really had a talent for bringing light to others and encouraging her students. I’m grateful for the chance to have met her and I hope for her family to continue living happy and healthy lives.