Obituary of Ralph Richard

Ralph Leaman Richard 86, Of Petite Riviere, Lunenburg County passed away peacefully on Friday, March 24, 2006 at the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater NS. Born in Petite Riviere on November 19, 1919 he was a son of the late Foster Uriah Richard and Etta Elvira (Conrad) Richard. He was a veteran of the Second World War, having trained with the W.N.S.R. and was later transferred to the R.C.A.S.C.. He served overseas in England and the European theatre of war. After his military service, he worked for Himmelman OK services, LaHave; on the great lakes with Shell Oil from 1952 – 1959; and as custodian at Petite Riviere Elementary Consolidated School from 1961 – 1980. He retired in 1980 due to ill health. He was a member of Wesley United Church, Petite Riviere; a life member of Bridgewater Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 24; a life member of I.O.O.F. Empire Lodge No. 109, Petite Riviere and a former member of the Lunenburg County Veteran Association. He was an avid hunter, sports fisherman and gardener. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Greta (Conrad) Richard; daughter Donna (Brian) Curley; son William; grandchildren Francis (Tara) and Michelle (Adam); 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Belle Bush, Cora Hiltz, Vivian Bush, Jean Messervey, Goldie (Owen) Stewart, Phyliss (Lee) Stewart and a number of nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Ralph was predeceased by brothers Harold, Clarence, Malcolm, Carl, Gerald and Hector; also sisters Dorothy, Lillian and Joyce. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 7 to 9pm in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 and the IOOF Empire Lodge will be conducting their tribute services at the start of visitation at 7pm. Cremation has taken place, at his request, and a private family committal service will be conducted at a later date in the Wesley United Church Cemetery, Rev. Karen Ohrt officiating. Immediate family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to Wesley United Church, Petite Riviere or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com