It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Richard Chase. This quiet, gentle-natured man had an enormous, book-loving heart, and spread a love of literature throughout southern Alberta and beyond. Richard’s passion for books and dedication to inspiring young readers was rivaled by none, and we are honoured to continue his legacy through our work with the Rocky Mountain Book Award Committee.
Richard was a founding member of the Lethbridge Children’s Literature Roundtable and The Rocky Mountain Book Award. Richard did the lion’s share of the administrative work for the committee, and was a well-respected voice on the selection committee. Richard, the consummate host, toured authors across Southern Alberta and was a recurring and welcome sight in libraries across the region, delivering books, posters, and anything else we needed as part of the Award. Richard was always rock-solid dependable and hugely knowledgeable. His loss will be keenly felt, and his contributions are long-standing and considerable.
