Richard “Rick” Credico of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Grace Cormier Credico, passed away after a lengthy illness with ALS, at Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at the age of 68 years.

Rick was born on November 23, 1951 in Lethbridge to Jack and Mary Credico. He attended St. Basil’s School from grade 1 to grade 8, moving on to graduate high school at Catholic Central High School. He attended Minot State University from 1970 – 1975; then went on to finish his educational journey at the University of Lethbridge.

Rick had a full career in education as a teacher with the Holy Spirit School District for 37 years, teaching grades 1 – 12. This time was spent at St. Mary’s Elementary School in Lethbridge from 1975 – 1978 and Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge from 1978 – 2009. From there, he was also a part-time teacher/instructor for the Catholic Central Lacrosse Academy from 2009 – 2010 and a substitute teacher for the Holy Spirit School District from 2010 – 2014.

Rick loved to garden, spending many hours in his yard creating a beautiful, picturesque, calming retreat. His interests were so diversified; from wine making, karate (achieving a Black Belt at Taka Karate School), scuba diving, bonsai (member of the Bonsai Society of Southern Alberta), playing football for Minot State University and having participated in three drama productions at Minot State as well. What he may be best known for was his coaching career including: lacrosse (Midget to Junior), basketball (grades 5 – 9) and especially football. He coached football with Catholic Central High School from 1975 – 1996; then again from 2006 – 2010 winning championships in 1976, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1991 and 2010. During his gap in coaching, Rick took paternity leave—the first teacher in Alberta—to take months off to spend quality time with his son.  Then in 2003, together with his best friend and coaching partner, Rel Delbello, they returned to coaching minor football as they coached their sons for the Junior Cougars from 2003 - 2006.

Besides his loving wife Grace, Rick is survived by his son Dr. Peter Credico; sisters Carliss Glover, Connie (John) Dragani; brother Randall (Tami) Credico; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Rick was predeceased by his parents Jack and Mary Credico and brother-in-law Glen Glover.

A Private Memorial Mass will be held at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street, North, Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 2S7.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Rick’s name may be made to the ALS Society of Alberta, 7874 – 10 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8W1.