D. Richard Wharton
September 8, 1954 – November 11, 2025
David Richard Wharton was welcomed into Heaven on November 11, 2025, after a long journey with Parkinson’s disease. He will be dearly missed but we are thankful to know he’s no longer suffering, but rejoicing with His Saviour.
Richard was born in Vanguard, SK, and went to public school there. He went on to attend Millar College of the Bible, the University of Saskatchewan, and Briercrest College. He was the eldest brother in a family of eight. His siblings are very grateful for the positive difference his patience and guidance made in their lives.
Richard had a deep, abiding faith in Jesus, evident by the way he loved people. He was a devoted husband and father who embodied God’s gentle, and unconditional love. Richard was known for his kind heart, excellent communication and quick wit. He loved welcoming guests into our home. His generous, considerate, and friendly nature was appreciated by all who knew him.
As his family, we cherish many fond memories with Richard on the farm and acreage, and adventurous trips to the mountains for skiing, camping and hiking. In earlier days, we spent the weekends windsurfing and enjoyed going to family camp every summer. Another talent of Richard’s was playing classical guitar. He rarely performed in public, but he often serenaded his family.
Richard shared his passion for horses with his family. Together we participated in many horse clubs and enjoyed regular horse rides around the acreage. Also, Richard enjoyed team penning, organized horse clinics, trained horses, and assisted with the development of the Grasswood Horse Park.
Richard’s expertise in agriculture was evident by his many years of farming, teaching at the University of Saskatchewan in both the School and College of Agriculture, and his work as an agronomist. Richard was a well-regarded professor at the university, highlighted by his “Best Teacher of the Year” awards.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 37 years, Norma, and their daughters, Kayla Wharton, Tiffany (Adam) Pichler and granddaughter, Adeline, and Talita (Luke) Martens and granddaughter, Jaye.
He is also survived by his siblings, Beverly (Steve) Kelly, Sharon (Bill) Blinn, Ross Wharton, Nancy (Myron) Powers, Melody (Albert) Janzen, Janine (Bob) Rempel and many beloved nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. As well, he leaves to mourn his numerous friends from all over the world. Richard impacted countless people over his lifetime, and he will be dearly missed.
He was predeceased by his parents, James and Marjorie Wharton, and his sister, Donna (Henry) Goertzen.
A celebration of life will be held at Forest Grove Community Church, 502 Webster Street, Saskatoon on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. To watch the live stream please click on the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE D. RICHARD WHARTON
(No password or login will be necessary. A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above. The copy will be available for approximately 6 months.)
Memorial Donations in Richard’s name may be directed to Millar College of the Bible, PO Box 25, Pambrun, SK S0N 1W0 or through http://www.millarcollege.ca.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
So sorry to hear this. Haven’t seen Richard in years but I have fond memories of him back when we attended forest grove and when he was a agronomist
Norma and kids, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of Richard. While we rejoice his suffering is over, we know he will be greatly missed by you all and will leave a big void. May God bless you during this time.
Norma and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. May God be your comfort in the days ahead.
I am sorry to hear about Richard passing, We worked together at Saskatchewan Agriculture covering the Outlook region. He was always great to work with.
Sending loving thoughts to Norma Jean, Kayla, Tiffany, Talita, Beverly, Sharon, Ross, Nancy, Melody, Janine, and families. We are so sorry for the loss of your husband, father, brother, and Uncle. Praying God’s comfort, blessings of memories, and hope for each of you. Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos across the span of Richard’s life, so heartwarming to see.
Sending prayers for you and the family today and in the next days, weeks, months ahead as you walk through grief. Richard’s memory will live on in the legacy he left with building a family of faith , hope and love with you Norma. (And all who knew him well). His suffering is no more, and for that Tim and I are grateful for the miraculous promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ. May you find comfort in this and all the beautiful memories shared. I’ll remember that Twinkle in his eye and smile when I think of him.
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers Marilyn!
To Richard’s family: I was sad to hear of Richard’s passing. I have many memories of him when I used to visit the farm as a teen ager – many many years ago! He was a mischievous little boy but won everyone over with his big brown eyes. He turned out to be a great man and I know the pride of his parents. I was sorry to hear of his health problems at the end. He seemed to get it all. Please know my thoughts are with all of you