In Loving Memory of John Edward Richard

May 19, 1972 – January 14, 2026

 

It is with great sadness that the Richard Family announces the passing of John Richard, son of J. Bernard Richard, of Miramichi, New Brunswick, and the late Julia Ann (Kerr) Richard, on January 14, 2026, at the age of 53, at the Miramichi Regional Hospital. He was surrounded by family and close friends. 

 

His family is grateful for the attentive care he received while residing at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home. We appreciated that the Mount offered John a sense of community in his final year of his life and was not just a building, but an extended family for John and our family members.

 

John is survived by his father, Bernard of Miramichi; his sister, Anne-Marie Richard of Halifax, Nova Scotia; his brothers: Andre Richard of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Joseph Richard (Kelly Chaves) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; nephew, Thomas; and niece, Abigail of Oklahoma City; aunts: Frances Kerr, Mary Jane Kerr, Irene Christie (Jack), Margaret Kerr, and Giselle Kerr, all of Miramichi; uncles: Patrick Richard (Helene) of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and Paul Richard (Joanne) of Moncton, New Brunswick; and cousin, Richard Kerr (Phyllis). John is also survived by many cousins in his extended family. John is predeceased by his younger brother, Michael (1979); his mother, Julia (2025); his uncles: John Kerr, William (Billy) Kerr, and Wayne Skolrood; and aunts: Irene Skolrood, Geraldine Eberhardt, and Susan Keats. 

 

After graduating from James M. Hill Memorial High School in 1990, John attended Mount Allison University, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting in 1994. While attending Mount Allision University, John developed a love for the game of rugby and the lifelong friendships it created. When John returned to Miramichi after graduating, he served as an assistant coach for both Miramichi Valley High School and James M Hill High School teams, and later founded the rugby program at Blackville High School as head coach. Many of those in the rugby community referred to John by his nickname of “Johnny Lightning”, acquired during his time at Mount Allison University. 

 

John was employed by Agropur, formally known as Northumberland Cooperative Dairy, for the majority of his career. He was heavily involved in his union, United Steelworkers (USW), including the position of treasurer. John was the type of person who always looked out for others and always had their best interest at heart. He would stand up for his fellow coworkers, many of whom were very good friends. 

 

Following the footsteps of his grandfather, the late J. Fraser Kerr, John joined the Knights of Columbus, and was a 3rd Degree Member of Council 1219 in Miramichi. John enjoyed serving at monthly breakfasts and connecting with the local community.

 

There was no visitation.  A Mass of Christian Burial took place at Saint Michael’s Basilica in Miramichi, New Brunswick, on Friday January 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Music for the service was provided by David Bunnell and Aaron Young.  The hymns were:  "The Lord is My Shepherd", "Be Not Afraid", "Here I am Lord", and "In Your Hands is My Life, Lord".  The First Scripture Reading was by Geralyn Freeze.  The Second Scripture Reading was by Irene Christie.  Prayers of the Faithful were proclaimed by Irene Christie.  The Honorary Pallbearers were Brian Kerr, Richard Kerr, Dax MacLean, and Dean MacLean.  A Knights of Columbus Honor Guard was formed, as well as an Honor Guard consisting of members of the Miramichi Rugby Community. All were welcomed for fellowship in the Parish Center following the Mass. 

 

In the spring, John will be laid to rest with his mother, Julia, and brother, Michael, at St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Loggieville, New Brunswick. 

                                        

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in John’s memory to Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home Foundation (https://mountsj.ca/foundation/ or 51 Lobban Ave. Miramichi, New Brunswick, E1N 2W8).

 

The family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Gerard Losier for all the care he provided to John throughout his life, especially over the last number of years while John’s health declined. The family is also very grateful to Dr. Antonio Tan who saved John’s life in 1979 after he was in a car accident, in which his younger brother passed away. They would also like to especially thank Marge MacLean, his mother’s best friend, who was always there for him and treated him like he was her own child. 

 

Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, New Brunswick, telephone (506) 773-3492.  Additionally, messages of condolence may be shared online at www.adamsfh.ca

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