Alma Ricard died June 2 at the age of 96.
She and her husband Baxter at one time owned radio station CFBR?the last two initials standing for Baxter Ricard.
Later the Ricards had interests in Mid-Canada Television and cable television operations in Northern Ontario. These interests were sold in 1996.
Ricard and her husband were generous with the community. In addition, they created the Baxter Family Foundation for French students in financial need worldwide.
The Ricard Foundation?s award is the equivalent to a Rhodes scholarship in the francophone world, says Paul de la Riva of Laurentian University.
?Alma Ricard was a personal friend, always kind and helpful. But, make no mistake about it, she was a strong person, with a powerful personality and intellect, who wouldn?t hesitate to let you know when she disagreed with you? says Andre Lacroix.
She came to Sudbury in 1946 to work for Felix Ricard, who needed a bilingual secretary for his hardware business. She met and married Felix?s son Baxter?a personal and business partnership that lasted almost 60 years.
She had been a widow since 1996.
Alma Ricard received the Order of Canada, as well as honorary degrees from the University of Sudbury and Laurentian University.
Friends may call at the Co-operative Funeral Home today from 2 to 5 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday at 10 am at St. Anne des Pins Church. Friends are invited to make donations in
her memory to a charity of their choice.
