Obituary of Richard George Halliday

Richard “Doc” George Halliday - It is with great sadness the Halliday family announces the peaceful passing of Richard “Doc” George Halliday on November 21, 2016 at the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Born in St. Thomas, Ontario on February 21, 1936 to Chester “Chet” Halliday and Dorothy Dell (Brown), Doc began work at a very young age to help support their family. He then joined the Canadian Navy in 1954 at the age of 18, where he served on the East Coast for the majority of his 27 year career. Not long after his arrival on the East Coast, he met his wife of 60 years Margaret “Vicky” (Robar) in the small community of East Clifford along the South Shore where she still resides.

After retiring in 1979 holding the rank of Chief Petty Officer, he assumed the position of Maritime District Manager for Zippo Manufacturing Inc. and also began his own company (Maritime Insignia Inc.) shortly after. He earned much success and recognition over the years until his retirement in 1995.

Doc was always an active Navy Veteran volunteering relentlessly for whatever was needed or had to be done. Co-Founder and Past-President of the “Admiral Desmond Piers Naval Association” (formerly South Shore Naval Association); which he was instrumental in receiving a Charter with the Canadian National RCNA Association. He also was highly involved organizing many successful Naval Reunions on the East Coast that included Royal Canadian Naval Associations (RCNA) members from across the country.

He also served as a member of the RCNA National Executive Committee where he held the position of Parliamentary & Veterans Affairs Liaison Officer until his passing. He was the Recipient of many highly regarded awards and medals including the Veterans Affairs Medal of Commendation, Canadian Decoration (CD), and the Queen’s Jubilee just to mention a few. He became very well recognized and respected throughout the Naval community from all currently serving Naval members and Veterans alike. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch #24 in Bridgewater for many years where their Naval Association worked closely with members hosting many events throughout the years.

Active in his community, he was a member of the New Horizons Seniors Club in New Germany, and actively attended many local area card parties where (he never cheated) usually became involved in helping with operations.

As Doc sets sail on his final voyage, we say good-bye to a beloved husband, father, brother, friend, mentor, and shipmate. He will be greatly missed by all those that came to know him, and one day we shall unite with him again. He has always been tough, but this taught us to be strong and weather through rough seas such as this so that we can enjoy the calm waters ahead.

Survived by his wife Margaret “Vicky” (Robar) and their 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren: Chester and Marlene (Uhlman) Halliday; Amanda, Jessica, and Corey – Dartmouth, NS, Amber Halliday and Santo Barilla; Genoa – Ottawa, Ontario, Brent and Brenda (Morrissette) Halliday; Sakima and Kiawa – Victoria, BC, and Dexter and Darlene (Bush) Halliday; Mikayla – East Clifford, NS,  Step-sister Rebecca (Becky) and Bob Scott – St. Thomas, Ontario.

There will be a Celebration of Life being held at The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch #24 in Bridgewater, NS on April 21, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. All family, friends, and shipmates are welcome to attend.