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Submitted by tmillward@beec… on Wed, 01/29/2025 - 11:58:AM

It is with profound sadness that we announce Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Gerald (Gerry) William Richards passed away peacefully with family by his side, at the age of 89, on January 21, 2025. Predeceased by his parents Frederick and Gertrude; brothers Freddie, Harold and Bob; and sisters Doris, Helen, Verna, Mona, Shirley, Margaret and Joan, Gerry leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Robina Julia (née O’Grady) and a legacy of love and dedication as brother to Marlene and Jack; father to Shaun (Celina) and Anne (Robert); and father-in-law to Lisa. Gerry was an adoring grandpa to Tiffany (Andrew), Scott (Lindsay), Nicole and Matthew; great-grandpa to Clara, Hannah, Cayde and Paxton and beloved uncle to many nieces and nephewsHe will also be greatly missed by his extended family and friends.

A proud Nova Scotian, Gerry’s distinguished 34-year career with National Defence began in 1962 following graduation from St. Mary’s University, class of ‘59, with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and three years with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Halifax, NS. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF) as Finance Officer at CFB Trenton ON, CFB Goose Bay NL, CFS Sydney NS, CFB North Bay ON before completing the inaugural Command and Staff Course at the Canadian Forces College Toronto ON in 1975. He then served in the Directorates of Financial Services and of Budget at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, ON. He was awarded a National Defence Deputy Minister’s Commendation medal and a Canadian Forces’ Decoration medal. After retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1982, he continued working at National Defence Headquarters in the Directorate of Budget with the Public Service of Canada before fully retiring in 1996.  

Those who knew Gerry well will remember his love of fishing, reading, food, cold beer, scotch, talking about world events and politics, and his generosity with family and friends.  

A Private Funeral Service will be held for family and invited guests at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Friday, February 7, 2025, beginning at 12 noon with visitation. Service will be at 1:00 p.m. in the Sacred Space with interment with Military Honours at 2:00 p.m. in the National Military Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent Hospital in Gerry’s memory.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal ~ Irish Tombstone

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/29/2025 - 04:21:PM

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Robert (Bobby) and Bella Smith

Dear Aunt Robina and family. Bella and I are very sad over the loss of our dearest Uncle Gerald. I have many fond childhood memories of him while growing up in Halifax. In later years, we shared many meals and drinks together at the RCAF Officer’s Mess in Ottawa – we had much in common. Indeed, he was an inspiration to me throughout my own military career -- an officer and a kind-hearted gentleman who lived a fulfilling, long and productive life. He will be deeply missed.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/30/2025 - 05:14:AM

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Sherri Sabourin

I know he will be dearly missed. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/31/2025 - 08:56:AM

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Teresa M Hanlon

Oh Anne, my sincerest condolences to you and your family. I remember your Dad fondly. Whdn I worked at Loblaws on Merivale road your sweet father always made a point of saying hello. I appreciated his kindness. I always thought 'what a kind man with such a strength of character presence. I am sure you and your family will miss him greatly. With warmth and kindness Teresa Hanlon

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