Rick Uhrich, President and Founder of ISA, sadly passed away on the morning of September 4th, 2014 at the age of 60. Rick is survived by his wife Jill and his two children, Jesse and Clare, his brother Brad and his sister Janet. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, employees and business partners.
On behalf of the ISA management team and staff, we would like to thank everyone for the many kind words, calls and emails we have received and we apologize that we have not been able to respond to all of them yet but please know they are deeply appreciated.
Rick was a tremendous business leader, a loving husband, father and brother. He will be dearly missed by everyone whose lives he has touched with his kindness and fairness.
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Rick started his career at MSL Limited, one of the largest IT Technology companies in Saskatchewan in the ‘80s as a computer programmer. Shortly after he moved into a sales role with MSL. In 1987 Rick and Jill moved to Toronto where Rick managed an MSL branch office. After MSL was acquired by Westbridge and ISM, Rick was a manager of the Professional Services team until 1992.
In January of 1992 Rick founded ISA and led this company for over 22 years to what it is today, one of the largest IT Security providers in Canada.
Everybody who knew Rick was aware of his passion for hockey. Rick was an accomplished hockey player, winning the 1973-74 Memorial Cup with the Regina Pats. His passion for hockey stayed with him for his entire life as he enjoyed playing recreational hockey in his spare time.
“We are all saddened by this tragic news we received today but all of us at ISA are determined to carry on and continue with Rick’s dreams for this company.  Both Val Serebryanny and I will continue to run the company in Rick’s absence as he would have wished and expected and we will do it in a fashion consistent with the values Rick held and the culture he created at ISA,” said Kevin Dawson, VP of Sales.
A Celebration of Life was held on the evening of Tuesday, September 9th at Markland Wood Golf Course. Thank you to everyone who attended, it was a full house – a true testimony to the many lives Rick touched!
Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Rick. Click here for the link.Â
Flowers may be sent to the ISA office and will be brought to the Uhrich residence, ISA – 3300 Bloor Street West, Suite 2310, Toronto, ON M8X 2X3.
Thanks again for all of the support during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
ISA management and employees
If you would like to leave a message about Rick for the ISA and Uhrich families, please feel free to do so below.
Messages
“Rick was definitely one of a kind. Whether I was working with Rick, selling to Rick, or competing against Rick – he didn’t change the way he treated me and always made time to talk. Rick was a special man and I always enjoyed our conversations and his stories. I hold Rick in the highest regards and strive to live my life to have even a fraction of the qualities that he possessed. RIP Rick, you will be missed.”
Kal Kurm
“I used to have season tickets for the Regina Pats and got to know Rick as he played with friends of mine who were also on the team. He was simply a great person, a really nice guy. He was appreciative of the loud vocal support that I and a group of friends always supplied at home games. After he was drafted and left for Fort Wayne with another friend of mine, we lost touch. I thought of him often over the years and always appreciated the fact he cared so much for the support we gave him, and the team. I will always remember the goal he scored in the third period of the second game of the Eastern final against Swift Current. The Pats went into the third period losing 5-1. Having lost the first game of the series, a loss in the second game would probably end their season. The Pats totally dominated the third period and Rick topped off the come back by scoring the winning goal. After that they never looked back and went on to win the Memorial Cup. Rest in peace, Rick. Those who knew you were better for the experience.”
Gerry Tunnicliffe
“Saddened and shocked to hear of Rick’s passing. A fine gentleman and businessman. My deepest sympathies to his family and the entire ISA family.”
Steve Armes
“Having worked at ISA from 1998 – 2002 I became quite fond of Rick.  He is really a wonderful person to work for and very down to earth.  I am quite saddened to learn of this happening and wish to pass on my condolences to his family and also the team at ISA. I also enjoyed working with Kevin and Val and I am confident things will be ok when I consider how strong they were even 12 years ago when I used to work with them.”
Joel Miller
“Rick was a great friend and outstanding human being, one of those you know will touch the lives of many in a very positive way during his journey through life, he definitively left a wonderful legacy! On behalf of his friends here and the McAfee team, our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, children, family, friends and the ISA team in Toronto. Rick, we will miss you but we will never forget you.”
Fernando QuinteroÂ
“Rick was a great leader and a gem of a human being. I had the opportunity to work with him and his team for a few years and have the utmost respect for such a gentleman. I was shocked and very saddened by the news of his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends. I will never forget his kindness, integrity, caring and willingness to always listen to you with an open heart and mind. May you RIP Rick!”
Shalini Khanna
“Rick was an exceptional person. His professionalism, integrity and positive attitude will live on with his family and staff. His inspirational stories about his family will be missed, especially the tales about his Son’s golf game and how well he does on those drives and shots. 🙂 Him and ISA have been one of my biggest supporters to my charity golf tournament and for that, I will be forever grateful.
Mr. Rick Uhrich, You will never be forgotten.”
Michelle Sirio