Notice Board

It is with great shock and a heavy heart that Pronghorn Athletics and the University of Lethbridge inform the campus community of the sudden passing of Pronghorns Women's Rugby Coach Ric Suggitt. He passed with his family by his side early Tuesday morning.

Ric, or Sluggo, as he was affectionately known, was only with our program for a few short years but his impact has been profound. He was a coach of the highest calibre, a colleague, a mentor, and most importantly a friend to all.

He was a larger-than-life figure that demanded the best from all of us and gave back all he had in return. His energy was contagious. Ric’s passing is heartbreaking for all of us in the Pronghorn family. Our hearts and thoughts go out to Jen, their children, family and to all those whose lives he touched.

University faculty and staff can access free, confidential counselling services, including grief counselling, through the Employee and Family Assistance program and Homewood Human Solutions by calling 1-800-663-1142 (available 24/7) or www.homewoodhumansolutions.com.

This will be a tough time for many of our students, athletes, staff and faculty. Students or student athletes have access to counselling through Counselling Services on campus http://www.uleth.ca/counselling/content/about.

The University of Lethbridge will lower its flag in honour of Ric on Monday, July 10, the day of his memorial service. The service is being held in Enoch, Alta., with details available here.

Following is a full obituary:

SUGGITT, Richard Allan “Sluggo”

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ric “Sluggo” Suggitt on June 27, 2017, at the age of 58 years.

Ric will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Jenn; two daughters, Rhyannon and Gabby; son, Everett; mother and father, Clara and Ted; brothers, John (Isabel), Rob (Michele), Tom (Nancy) and Dave; and sister, Cathy (Frank); and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

All of Ric’s family, friends, including the international rugby community are mourning Ric’s loss, including the countless number of players he coached or mentored during his coaching career. Ric held head coaching positions with the Canadian National Women’s Team, the Canadian National Men’s Team, the U.S. Women’s 7’s team, and most recently, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns Women’s team. Ric or “Sluggo” as he was affectionately known, was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was more than just a great coach, Ric was a great friend, son, brother, husband and father. A truly amazing man.

A Celebration of Ric’s Life will be held Monday, July 10 at 1 p.m. at the Venue at the River Cree Resort, 300 East Lapotac Boulevard, corner of Whitemud Drive and Winterburn Road, Enoch, AB. Come as you are – shoes optional! In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to the Scholarship Fund in Ric’s name at the University of Lethbridge, http://gohorns.ca/sluggo.

Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through http://www.parkmemorial.com.