Dr. Richard Franklin Berwick, an internationally respected UBC sociolinguist, passed away at the age of 74 on June 3, 2019, in his North Vancouver home. Rick pioneered practitioner research in the field of intercultural communication at Kobe University of Commerce and Ritsumeikan Asian Pacific University in Japan, and at UBC, his alma mater, and Capilano University. He was the original academic coordinator of the UBC Ritsumeikan Academic Exchange in 1991. For his efforts, Capilano University has created an annual student community service award in his name.

Known for his sense of humour and intellect, Rick loved to debate, and always had a sincere, open and unbiased perspective on people from all cultures and walks of life. His many students, colleagues and friends in Canada and Japan will be seeing him in all their familiar places. He is survived by his beloved wife, Taeko; daughter, Yuri; son, Benjamin; granddaughter, Maya; and extended family and friends. A celebration of life was held in North Vancouver on June 30.