Series 3 - Richard York Secord

Richard York Secord was born to Annie York and Richard Henry Secord on 19 Oct 1900 in Edmonton. After completing school at St. Andrew's College in Toronto and Guelph Agricultural College, he returned to Edmonton where he began to manage family land near Winterburn, Alberta. He developed the farm, known as Avoncroft Farm, into a highly successful cattle and dairy ranch, and wheat farm. Richard was a charter member of the Alberta Wheat Pool.

Richard York Secord married Katherine Margaret Calder on 18 Jan 1928 in Lacombe, Alberta. They had one son, Richard David Secord, and adopted a son, Ken Kirsch Secord. Richard David Secord eventually took over the operation of the family farm.

In 1959, Richard was appointed to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, a position he held until 1968. He was also active in the Edmonton Historical Board, the Alberta Heritage Sites Board, and the Fort Edmonton Foundation. Richard was appointed Honorary Chief Factor of Fort Edmonton in 1973. He also arranged for the writing and publication of a biography of his father, Richard Henry Secord, contributing a reminiscence as the last chapter. Later, Richard York had his own memoirs written.

Richard York Secord died on 7 Dec 1987 in Edmonton.