Obituary of Pennell Richardson

William Pennell Richardson 88, Bridgewater, died peacefully surrounded by his family at the South Shore Regional hospital on Tuesday, September 21, 2004. Born on July 21, 1916 in Bridgewater, Pennell was the only son of the late Andrew and Sarah (Cahoon) Richardson. Pennell was a well known businessman in the town of Bridgewater for over 65 years. After a short time as Post Master, his parents encouraged him to take up the family tailoring business. In addition to his tailoring he enjoyed politics, music, sports and community. The tailor shop was known as “10 Downing Street”. Whether in his King Street business or later in his basement tailor shop, political debate could be hot and heavy. His political affiliations were never a secret. He was a past president of the Lunenburg West Liberal Association and Executive Assistant to the Honorable MLA Mike DeLory. Pennell was on the Town Council for the Town of Bridgewater for 10 years and during that time served as Deputy Mayor for six years. He was an honorary member of the Bridgewater Fire Department. His music was constant throughout his life. He played the baritone and trombone in the Bridgewater Firemen’s Band (also band master/director), Bridgewater Citizen’s Band, Bridgewater United Baptist Church Band, Fred Allen Jazz Band, and made music with Hank Snow. He was a member of the Bridgewater United Baptist Church Choir for over 50 years, Bridgewater Baptist Quartet, and Sons of the Sea. He loved his sports and watched them constantly. As a curler he was on three Nova Scotia Championship teams and was twice in the Canadian Brier - 1953 in Sudbury and 1957 in Kingston, Ontario. He was a past president and Honourary member of the Bridgewater Curling Club. He ran the curling club bingo every Friday night for over 20 years. He played hockey with the Ford V-8’s as goalie. Pennell was a member of the Bridgewater United Baptist Church. He will be sadly missed by his wife Beulah (MacKenzie) Richardson; daughter Jane (Bob) Cuming; son James (Katie) Richardson; grand-children Tanya (Kristopher) Baker, Sarah Richardson and Benjamin Richardson; sister Margaret (Fletcher) Veinotte and loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Lidy (Bill) Baker. Funeral will take place at the Bridgewater United Baptist Church, King Street, Bridgewater on Sunday, September 26, 2004 at 2:00pm. Visitation will be held on Saturday between 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Sweeny’s Funeral Home in Bridgewater. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Bridgewater United Baptist Church, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Canadian Diabetes Association or any charity of your choice.