Raised on a dairy farm near Conestogo, Richard graduated from the University of Guelph with an honours degree in agricultural economics and business. He worked for various agencies of the economics branch of Agriculture Canada for 10 years. Richard is currently working for a chartered accounting firm in Waterloo. He lives on  a beef and cash crop farm north of Fergus with hs wife Lorraine. The enjoy spending time with thier two grown children, spouses and fantastic grandchild. Richard has chosen to volunteer at Groves Memorial Community Hospital because it provides a critical service to enhance the quality of life in our community.