Honourable K. Peter "Pete" Richard

It is with sadness that we announce that Pete passed from this life on December 14 at the age of 93. He was born in Dartmouth, the youngest child of Harry B. and Jean (Tobin) Richard. Pete graduated from St. F.X. University with a business degree in 1952. While in his senior year at “X” he met his best friend, Betty Sears, who would soon after become his life long companion and wife of 72 years.

After graduating from “X” Pete was employed with three successive organizations in the Halifax area before taking over an Esso service station in the north end of Halifax. During his time at the station Pete was elected an alderman in the City of Halifax for a term of three years. While serving as president of the NS Gas Dealers Association he successfully lobbied the provincial government to enact legislation to provide motor vehicle inspection in the province.

While on city council Peter decided to study law and enter that profession. These career choices would not have been possible without the unqualified support and encouragement of Betty.

After graduation from Dalhousie Law School in 1967 he joined Don Gillis in Antigonish and started a practice under the name “Gillis and Richard”. His principal interests were Hospital law and labour arbitration. Pete and a Halifax lawyer were retained by the Canadian Hospital Association to conduct hospital law seminars and these were successfully convened from Vancouver to St. Johns, NF. He served briefly as President of the Board of Directors of St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish. Pete also had an interest in the Chamber of Commerce and served as the President of the Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce.

In June 1978 Peter was appointed to the Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia and served in this capacity for the next 29 years. In early 1980’s Pete became the founding Chairman of the Judges Computer Advisory Committee which was formed to introduce Canadian Judges to the rapidly growing field of digital technology. He served in this capacity for six years and conducted numerous computer training seminars for federally appointed judges across Canada. He was also invited to speak at conferences in Auckland, New Zealand and Dallas, Texas.

Probably the highlight of his judicial career was his appointment as sole Commissioner on the Westray Mine Public Inquiry in May of 1992. After many weeks of hearings and many months of research the report of the Inquiry “A Predictable Path to Disaster” was published. The report generated much commentary and resulted in many changes in workplace safety as well as an amendment to the Criminal Code, referred to as the “Westray Bill”.

Peter was predeceased by his wife Betty, and survived by his family, all of whom he considered his best friends. Peter leaves behind five children; Debbie (Clair Rankin), St. Peter’s; Ken, Dartmouth; Steve (Darlene), Dartmouth; Gary (Tammy), Mazatlan, Mexico; and Mike, New York. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren; Aaron, Matt, Emily, Adrienne, Nick, Michelle, and Bryan, as well 5 great grandchildren; Dominic, Zoe, Emma, Hawk, and Baya. Pete’s children were a great source of pride and joy for him. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was predeceased by his parents and siblings Russell, WWII casualty, Jean Brown, Shirley Brackett, Harry (Junior) Richard, and E J (Ted) Richard, Prospect.

The family also wants to acknowledge and thank Parkwood Home Care for the exceptional care, support, and respect they provided to Dad, especially our new sister for the past 14 months, Mavis, who became Dad’s best friend. Their relationship was a joy to experience. We also want to thank Dr. Sue Atkinson for her years of support and extraordinary care provided to Pete and Betty.

Cremation has taken place and at Pete’s request there will be no memorial services or visitation