November 3, 1948 – February 17, 2026
Richard “Dick” L. Canada will be remembered as a man who brought energy, laughter, and warmth into every room he entered.
Always the life of the party, Dick had a natural gift for making others smile and feel welcome. Born November 3, 1948, he was the son of Robert and Emma C. (Browning) Canada. Dick was a graduate of Bedford-North Lawrence High School with the Class of 1967. He played basketball, baseball, and football.
Dick carried with him a lifelong love of sports. He built not only his athletic skills but also the team spirit and determination that defined much of his life. He graduated from Ball State University and was a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. It was there he made lifelong friends. Dick also loved the thrill and tradition of the Indianapolis 500, embracing the excitement and camaraderie that came with one of Indiana’s most beloved events. He enjoyed playing golf and socializing with his fraternity brothers and his Bedford Stonecutter friends. His passion for basketball never faded and he was a devoted fan. He rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Purdue Boilermakers and shared that passion with his son, Richard, who attended Purdue.
Dick began his professional career at Merchants Bank before moving into the automotive dealerships. Throughout his career, Dick was known not just for his work ethic, but the relationships he built and the stories he shared. During his youth, he participated in basketball at the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis. He also played ball at the Municipal Gardens in Indianapolis. His team won a World Championship in the Lil’ Guys Basketball Tournament.
He attended the First United Methodist Church of Bedford during his youth. Above all else, Dick was a loving and proud father and grandfather. His grandchildren were a constant source of joy in his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them. Dick’s legacy is one of laughter, loyalty, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but the memories he created at gatherings will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to share in his life.
Dick is survived by his son, Richard (Angel) Canada of Aledo, Texas; daughter, Natalie Micheal of Cave Creek, Arizona; three grandchildren, Ashlyn Michael of Cave Creek, Arizona, and Crew and Aspen Canada of Aledo, Texas; brother, Robert F. (Ann) Canada of New Palestine, Indiana; sister, Patricia (Michael) Robbins of Bedford, Indiana; he also had nephews, Matt Canada, David Canada, Andy Canada, and Zack Robbins; and one niece, Marcy Inman.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Emma C. (Browning) Canada.
Funeral Services for Richard L. “Dick” Canada will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Ferguson- Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes in Bedford, with Judy Early officiating. Burial will follow in Cresthaven Cemetery. Visitation will also be on February 27th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. and continuing until the hour of service at Ferguson-Lee Chapel.
Condolences may be sent, memories shared, and flowers ordered at www.ThorneFunerals.com.
The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes is honored to have been entrusted with the arrangements for Richard “Dick” Canada.
