RICHARD, William Douglas (Doug)
With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of William Douglas (Doug) Richard age 86 of Parrsboro, NS. Doug passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre after a brief illness.
Doug was born in River Hebert, the son of the late Edmund and Jessie (Melanson) Richard.
Doug was a very industrious hard working and adventurous man who was always ready to take on new challenges to support his family. He was a member of the Canadian Forces serving in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Africa and several locations in Canada. After 17 years in the service, he accepted an opportunity to own and operate a nursing home and motel in Napanee ON, then later built and operated a larger nursing home in Selby ON. He went to flying school and bought a small spray plane and a business selling helicopter parts. After selling the nursing home, he bought a commercial fishing boat, hired a crew and fished Sockeye salmon off the BC coast for several seasons. On retirement, he moved to Northwest Cove NS, where he bought and renovated a large fishing shack that he later leased to a movie company filming the 5 year series “Haven”. Doug lived his life to the fullest and was always looking for some new project to keep busy.
Throughout his life Doug enjoyed playing his guitar and singing, especially George Jones songs. In his later years he spent his winters in Florida and travelled throughout that state, Tennessee and other US states with his music. Approximately four years ago, he settled in the lovely community of Parrsboro and until his illness was enjoying performing at the local jamborees around Cumberland County.
Doug is survived by his children, Deb, Rosthern, Sask; Joseph, North Bay ON; Steve, Simcoe ON; Susan Richard (Ken Burton) Brampton ON; Linda (Bob) Paterson; Mike (Kathy Smith), Bancroft, ON; 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren; Siblings, Marguerite Werry and Norma Joyce, Napanee ON, Rita Smullin Richard, Lower St. Mary’s NB; Gary, St Paul, AB; Paul, Halifax; Donna, Chester NS; several nieces and nephews, special friends Terry Wood and Gloria Melanson , Claud Lamb and; Marg White, his constant loving companion for the last 3 years,
In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased, by his brothers Edmund Jr. and Johnny, a nephew Glen Clarkson and a niece, Gail Smullin.
Arrangements are under the care and supervision of the Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church Street, Amherst (902-667-8777). Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or funeral service at this time. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions in Doug’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital or a charity of your choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.