87 of Bedford, formerly of Porters Lake, passed away peacefully at the QE 2 Health Sciences Ctr. in Halifax on December 7, 2018. Born in New Glasgow, NS on September 12, 1931, he was the youngest of three children of Leon and Gertrude Neima and was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Richard was self employed throughout his work career as a retail jeweler and a professional watchmaker. At the time of his graduation in 1948 from Neil MacKay’s watch making school in Moncton, NB he was the youngest accredited watchmaker in Canada. Richard and his brother, Robert (Bud) operated the well known Neima Brothers Jewelry stores in Dartmouth until their retirement in 1994. He served for a number of years as President of the Atlantic Provinces Jewelers Association where he was proud to share his extensive knowledge and experience in the jewelry industry. He also applied his business and organizational skills to support recreational aviation in Nova Scotia serving on the board or directors of the Halifax Flying Club and as a founding member of the Dartmouth Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association. During his lifetime Richard supported many community and religious organizations and he was proud of his lifelong membership in the Knights of Columbus, particularly his service at St. Anslem’s parish in West Chezzetcook.
Richard was predeceased by his dearly beloved wife, Marie, with whom he shared 58 wonderful years of fulfillment and adventure, including a long retirement when they travelled extensively based out of their winter home in Florida. During their years there Richard continued to serve the community and for a time was President of the Canada Club of Barefoot Bay, Florida.
Richard is survived by his five children, Marina (Carl Burns), Jack (Lianne), Richard Jr. (Sherry), Paul (Trish), and Denise (Dwayne Wilson) along with 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and his dear friend and companion, Loretta Thibodeau.
The family would like to thank the palliative care and medical services staff of the Capital Health District, the Northwood group, including the staff at Ivany Place in Bedford, and especially his family physician, Dr. Shaifta Jabeen, who have provided outstanding support and comfort. Your kindness and consideration will not soon be forgotten. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Cremation has taken place. In celebration of Richard’s life, a public gathering at the J.A. Snow Funeral Home will take place January 10, 2019 at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM, followed by a funeral mass at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church the next morning January 11, 2019 at 10:00 AM, 1288 Bedford Highway. Afterwards, a family inurnment will take place at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery January 11, 2019 at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations may be made to your local food bank.
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