Husband. Father. Son. Brother. He/him. Ally in action, not just in title. Emcee. Community activist. Inclusive not divisive. Cosplayer. Harm reduction advocate. Big picture thinker. Connected to my ancestors. PRIDE supporter. Intuitive. Dedicated to Reconciliation. Hiker. Kayaker. Innovator. Community builder. Non-violent protest participant. Dexterously gregarious. Self-aware. Holder of safe spaces. Compassionate. Forging relationships with a smile and a kilt. No, it’s not short for Richard.
Dick Passmore has worked in the Indigenous community in the fields of homelessness and harm reduction. He worked front line at an overdose prevention site, as a street outreach worker, as well as Team Lead for a successful Housing First initiative. Previous experiences have come from the world of hospice/palliative care as a Personal Support Worker and adjunct therapies practitioner. He has also provided training to organizations in Canada and the US on evidence based tools and approaches to ending homelessness.
My Story
I’m a lifelong resident of Dunnville.
My family has been in the area for well over a century. I grew up on a small farm in Canboro, as the youngest of five kids. We raised beef cattle, pigs, and chickens. I have many fond memories of growing up in the country.
Education
I attended Canboro Central, Dunnville Senior Public, and Dunnville Secondary. My post secondary education includes a diploma with honours as a Personal Support Worker.
I have completed training and have certificates for: Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care, Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Health and Safety Committees, and leadership courses in both healthcare and unionized environments.
Our Family
I am enjoying the role of Dad. Lisa and I have five amazing kids. Gabe, Julian, Bailey, Haley and Levi. This was taken in 2006 on our farm in Canboro.
This is the same farm that I grew up on. It was purchased in the 1930’s by my grandfather, and my dad was raised here too.
We had 50 acres, which included arable land and pastures for the cattle and horses, and areas for the goats, pigs and chickens.
Currently
I am enjoying the role of Dad, and have since day one. Being able to nurture and educate our kids has been one of the greatest achievements of my life.
We are at a point now where the nest is almost empty. It’s a strange feeling, but I’m getting accustomed to it. The house comes alive when all the kids are over!
