Obituary of Donald Albert Richards

Age 92, passed away peacefully September 30, 2015 at Arborstone Enhanced Care. Born in 1923, at home in Halifax, he was the third son of seven children born to the late George Ernest and Hazel Elsie (Armsworthy) Richards. He was a talented and generous man, donating blood to the Red Cross until his illness made such kindness impossible. He gave at least 70 donations of blood. Don was a crane operator at the Naval Armament Depot in Dartmouth for 42 years. He was a member of the Acadian Lodge #14. He was a quiet, reclusive man who spent much time on woodworking projects, from toys he made for his own and for his brothers’ children, to helping his brothers as assorted home building and maintenance needs arose. He also made beautiful cribbage boards of maple and plexiglass, handpainting the boards’ "holes". Don loved automobiles and long drives in the countryside. His summer vacations provided his family with unforgettable, precious time at the Gulf Shore, and taking the trailer to Cape Breton. He played the snare drum, and often whistled while he worked. Don is survived by his adult children who are left with fond memories of their Dad, daughter Nancy Richards-Eisener (David); son, Bill Richards (Andrea MacRae); brothers, Stanley D.; George and William. He was predeceased by his dear wife of 67 years Bernice Genevieve; daughter Sharon Ann in infancy; siblings Eileen (Howard); Fred and Ken. Cremation has taken place under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd. A Celebration of Life for Donald will take place Monday October 5 at 11 a.m. from St. Peter’s Anglican Church 3 Dakin Dr. Bedford, Rev. David Dellapinna officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Mental Health Association, MS Society of Canada or a charity of your choice. A private family interment will take place.