BANNISTER: Richard George of London

It is with deep sadness and much love that we mourn the passing of Richard “Rick” George Bannister. Following a battle with esophageal cancer, Rick passed on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at St Joseph’s Hospice of London at age 83 with family by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lynne Bannister (nee Connelly), his children Andrea (Mark), Laurie (Pat), Shelley (Eric), and his grandchildren Sawyer, Charlotte, Elliot, Marco, and Gabriella.

Some of Rick’s fondest memories involved travel, and some of his favorite trips were ones he was able to share with family. He particularly loved Hawaii, where he and Lynne enjoyed several trips to Kauai, Maui, and their favorite destination, the Big Island, where he enjoyed the once in a lifetime experience of hang-gliding over the Hawaiian coastline.

Early in adulthood, Rick found he enjoyed accounting and was quite good at it as well, working in the field until retirement, where he then perfected an elaborate home accounting system.

Rick loved to read and was a fan of science fiction and fantasy. He greatly enjoyed discussing his favorite, or current, reads, and hearing about what books or authors others enjoyed. He enjoyed music, particularly jazz greats, and even during his final days, listening to a favorite album would get his toes tapping.

Rick had an astounding memory, an uncanny sense of direction, and a delightfully dry and offbeat sense of humor that was occasionally tempered by groan-worthy ‘dad jokes’.

His passing leaves a profound hole in the lives of those who loved him.

Considering the end of life with pragmatism, Rick chose to participate in full body donation, where his gift will help contribute to the learning and knowledge of future medical professionals. At his request no funeral will be held.

Donations to the London Health Sciences Foundation, or to St Joseph’s Hospice of London in his name are welcome.