Back to Black Bear In Loving Memory of Richard Clarence Ratt A man we won’t forget... Richard came to work at BBIL in 2002. He was the forman for our cabin projects and when he wasn’t swinging a hammer, he was casting his fishing pole or tracking bears. He loved being at BBIL and always looked for the quickest way to the lodge each spring. In December of 2004, Richard slipped and fell, causing a brain injury. He was hospitalized through May 2005. DJ & Dawn visited him in the hospital, and was told he was improving, but he would have to relearn to speak. During DJ & Dawn’s visit, DJ asked Rich if he remembered a time at the lodge when Rich had asked Dawn to trim his hair.... ...Dawn obliged, but to both their surprise, Dawn forgot to place the hair guard on the clippers and she trimmed his hair down to his scalp! Richard was so sweet, he asked Dawn to do the same thing on the other side. “He never took his hat off until it grew back!” Dawn recalls. ... Remembering this, he had a huge grin. Dawn then asked him if he wanted her to trim his hair right now. Still with a huge grin, he shook his head “No” and covered his ears. This summer DJ & Dawn invited Rich out to the lodge for a few weeks. He was thrilled and started packing. Although he couldn’t function as he once did, he was hammering anything he could get his hands on. He even had a chance to get out on the lake with his family a few times. Rich had a medical appointment, so he flew out for a few days. He quickly returned to BBIL at 1PM on Sunday August 5, 2007. He was his usual self; playful, & pretending to be a guest. He had dinner with his nephew and his family. Then about 4PM he decided he was going to go to his cabin to play his guitar. Around 4:30, the same day, Richard passed away. His family agree that he passed away in a place he loved & called his home. Richard, you will truly be missed by everyone who knew you.
PHOTO ALBUMS
Richard playing his guitar in 2003 &        A Tribute
 
 
Pictures
of Richard
 
 
Rest in Peace
 
10/30/60 - 08/05/07
 
Father, Grand-Father, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin & Friend Occupation Carpentry, Hunting & Fishing Guide Home LaRonge, SK & Black Bear Island Lodge