A dear friend and champion in the community, Dr. Dick Au was our superhero
His supersonic heart made him attuned to the needs of others, although some may argue he also had mind-reading superpowers. Morphing and rolling with the punches, he was an ironman cast who could play any role. As a volunteer, Dr. Au waited until everyone signed-up, then filled the empty shifts he could. He teleported from managing fires to giant puppet stilt-walking, and even tried his hand at chestnut roasting. If he had a super-suit, it would have to include his signature finger-toe shoes.
Dr. Au was a familiar and friendly face at every Deep Freeze Festival and Kaleido Family Arts Festival. Each year, he made it a family affair by bringing along his family and their friends, also known as the “Au Crew.” He was a role model to the youth volunteers, and we’ve watched his son Eric grow into being the Robin to his Batman.
We’re so grateful for the traditions we’ve made together. Memories of Jingle Jammin’ and belting our hearts out together as we carolled through the streets of Alberta Avenue will be forever cherished.
Altruistic and full of energy, Dr. Au inspired many others to give back. We’ll always remember the year when Dr. Au found twelve friends to volunteer when his family couldn’t make it. His work and commitment to the community is a reverberating legacy that makes him the ultimate immortal superhero.
A private funeral service will be held at St. Thomas More Parish. A livestream of the service will be available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8q11evpZ_M. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to Arts on the Ave's Dr. Au Memorial Celebration Fund. To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.
To help continue Dr. Au’s work of community making, click here to stay in the know about Arts on the Ave’s initiatives and how you can be a part of it.
