Fun-loving, adventurous, and always wearing a smile with an infectious laugh – these are a few ways to describe Richard Burgess.
Born and raised in Oshawa alongside three sisters, Richard continues to call Durham Region his home with his wife, Liz, and moody teenage cat, Rupert. Health and fitness, remaining social and active by participating in sports like softball, hockey, and golf, are some of his passions that he gets to enjoy throughout the year.
Despite remaining in Durham Region, it doesn’t stop him from travelling the world. Some of his favourite adventures involve hiking through the rolling hills of Patagonia, the death-drop cliffsides of The Dolomites in Italy, and the lush green island of Sri Lanka’s mountain region, among many others.
In December of 2024, his travels took him to the end of the Earth, the world’s largest desert, to – you guessed it – Antarctica! As he was surrounded by penguins and limitless untouched ice, he proposed to his now wife Liz.
When he is not off adventuring, Richard works in Sales for a company that supports end-of-life planning as Managing Director. He believes that leaving loved ones with time to grieve rather than worrying about complicated paperwork and planning makes a world of difference when losing a loved one.
He is no stranger to the dance floor, and this social butterfly is ready to embrace the spotlight as part of Dancing with the Easter Seals Stars, helping raise money and awareness for this great cause.
His connection to Easter Seals kids lies with his sister Rachel. She was involved in a ski accident while they were snowboarding in Lake Louise, and long story short – she had to have her leg amputated. He saw her strength and resilience, but also her steadfast ability to remain positive and lighthearted through this life-changing event. He saw how it changed her life forever and the support required for her to continue through life independently. She now rocks multiple prosthetic legs for different activities – from everyday use, to snowboarding, to swimming and even a sick blade for running – these tools that keep her moving do not come cheap. To play a small part in how Easter Seals provides programs, services, and support for people with disabilities and their families means the world to him!
