On Sunday, June 7th at 7:55 am, Richard Unruh, husband to his beloved wife Sandra, father to his sons Jesse (Elisha) and Kellen (Amy), and Poppi to five wonderful grandchildren, Felix, Alice, Matilda, Willow and Elliott, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. 

A man with a larger-than-life personality and true dedication and passion for the craft of editing, he was endlessly proud of the work he accomplished throughout his career. Richard loved music, movies and art and was always excited to share his passions with others, often louder than the situation deemed necessary. Born in Steinbach, Manitoba, and growing up in Winnipeg, Richard eventually moved to Toronto to pursue a career in film. After graduating from York University, he started his editing career at Bob Schultz Productions in the late 70s, before moving to the Partners Film Company, under the stewardship of Don McLean. He started Third Floor Editing, a company which he proudly ran until it merged with Flashcut, joining fellow Partners alumni Mick Griffin at Rooster Post, where the two developed a wonderful friendship in their years working together near the bottom of Spadina Avenue. He won a Clio in 1984 for Ontario Tourism and was honoured with the Fritz Spiess award in 1998; a moment he was tremendously proud of. Although diagnosed with Parkinson’s late in his career, he still found time to enjoy his retirement, including many extended stays at his cottage in Muskoka, a place he truly cherished and enjoyed. His passion for music and movies never left him, despite his condition, and he was always eager to share Football Sunday with his family and his beloved New England Patriots. He was a wonderful storyteller, with a true gift for conversation, and will be remembered and missed by the many people who knew him both professionally and personally. 

The family invites you to join them for a celebration of Richard’s life on Friday, June 26 at 12 PM at the funeral centre in Mt Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Mt Pleasant Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard Unruh would be appreciated by the family, supporting the Movement Disorders Clinic at UHN Foundation, by visiting UHNfoundation.ca/tribute or calling 416-603-5300. You may also donate to the Meighen Manor long-term care home, where Richard was well cared for in his final years, through the Salvation Army by visiting https://tinyurl.com/meighen-manor-richard-donation.