Obituary of Richard A. Lord

Richard A. (Rick) Lord 71, of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, passed away at South Shore Regional Hospital on August 11, 2011. Born in Toronto on August 20th 1939 to the late Arthur and Leone Lord, and raised in Ottawa. Beloved husband of almost 47 years to Carol (nee Murphy) and devoted father of Chris (Mississauga), Stephen (Mahone Bay) and Kenny (Halifax). Rick was the grandfather, and proud “Pappa Ricky” to Rachel, Nicholas and Jacqueline. Dear brother to Barbra Lord (Ottawa), and father-in-law to Nancy Fonseca (Mississauga). Rick received a degree in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick in 1964 and that summer he and Carol married. After living in Ste Anne de Bellville outside Montreal, the family moved to Bridgewater Nova Scotia in 1967. Rick quickly became immersed in the community as members of St Joseph’s parish where Rick served as President and member of the Parish Council. Richard worked as the President of the Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners Association before founding Lord’s Nova Balsam Christmas Trees in 1976 which rapidly expanded, winning export achievement awards as a result of developing markets in Germany, Latin America, South American and throughout the USA and Canada. He was a strong pioneer and promoter of the global Christmas tree industry including being a founding member of the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Council, Past-president of the Canadian Christmas Tree Council, member of the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia and the U.S. Christmas Tree Council. As a community leader, Rick was elected to Bridgewater Town Council in 1983 and served for 17 years on various committees including Chair of the Public Service Commission, member of the Police Commission and member of the Board of Hillside Pines among other local organizations. He also has sponsored many foster children in the developing world. Always busy, Rick enjoyed family adventures at Kejimkujik National Park, Crooked Lake, on the Lahave River and many trips to Ontario and the eastern U.S. When he wasn’t working on his Christmas trees in Big Lots, Rick could always be seen puttering around the family home with loyal dogs Mandy, Kirby or Toby close by, working on various garden beds and endless projects, while listening to CBC radio. Visitation will be at Sweeny’s Funeral Chapel Sunday August 14th 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will take place at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Pleasant Street, Bridgewater Monday August 15th at 2 pm, Reception to follow at the Parish Hall. Family flowers only, donations can be made to Feed Nova Scotia or your local food bank. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.