APLA regrets to report the death of Richard Ellis, Librarian Emeritus, Memorial University.
**********
It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Richard Harold (“Dick”) Ellis on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Much loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and grandpa.
Born July 11, 1942, in Salem, Oregon, the eldest son of J. Harold and Marion (Driggs) Ellis. Predeceased by his parents.
Leaving to mourn the absence of his expositions on a variety of topics, his loving wife and partner for 51 years, June; his son, Sean (Alicia); daughter, Anneliese (Jenn Ghaney); granddaughter, Ryen Beckett (Travis); grandsons: Seamus and Arlo Reardon and his sister, Margaret Ivey (Frank), as well as a large circle of family, friends, and colleagues.
From UCSF, Seattle University, to Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1971, Dick brought his engaging and curious personality to the province, where he worked in Memorial University’s libraries for 37 years. For his 25 years as University Librarian, his approach to librarianship, his interest in change, and his commitment to open dialogue placed Memorial on the map as one of the more progressive library management systems in Canada. He viewed the QEII as a pillar of the community and snowshoed through blizzards to open it on more than one occasion.
Throughout his career, he received awards from a variety of library associations (CLA, APLA, CARL) but was most pleased to receive the Librarian Emeritus distinction in 2009 from Memorial University. This was a reminder of his love for the province, its history, its adventure, its invaluable educational institutions and the colleagues within. On campus, he was known for his humour, calm approach and interest in all elements of the university.
At home, he was found reading, tinkering with the ’72 Triumph, and later the ’85 VW Westfalia, in which he and June shared many camping adventures around Newfoundland. He enjoyed a good family game, the general contentment of others, and oration over a nice glass of wine. Never one to forget a fact or detail, his retelling of stories often became as long and wonderous as the events themselves.
The family would like to thank the St. Clare’s Hospital, the Dr. L.A. Miller Centre, and the teams who helped him live many comfortable days looking out at June’s garden. He would also have liked to thank Angel, Comfort Home Care, and Drs. Lee and Johnston for their exceptional care and compassion over the course of their time together.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue on Sunday, December 7th from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9 pm. A private family service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Dick would love for you to purchase a new book for yourself or your children to enjoy. Donations in Dick’s memory may also be made to Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries.