Richard "Ranger Rick" Paul Howard

Howard, Richard Paul (Ranger Rick), age 58 of Bedford passed away peacefully July 12, 2014 in the palliative care unit of the QEII, surrounded by his family and close friends, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

He was a son of the late Don and Kay Howard. Rick was a long time member of the Bedford Volunteer Fire Department before becoming a full time firefighter with DND at HMC Dockyard and the ammunition depot in Bedford. After 30 years of service, Rick was an active and dedicated Platoon Chief at the time of his passing. Outside of work, Rick had many other things in his life that he had a passion for, particularly his wife Lorena, his family and friends, and the family camp in Erinville, NS where he was an ardent hunter and fisherman. A true sportsman, Rick fully enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors, fishing and hunting with his boys, nephews and nieces. He was a true friend to anyone who knew him and never said no to anyone who needed a helping hand.

He is survived by his wife, Lorena MacDonald-Howard, sons Ivan (Lori) and Jeffery (Rachelle), sisters Karen (Ken Cogan), Diana (Glen Richard) and Sandra(Tony Digdon), brothers Don Jr. (Anne), Ken (Marilyn), Alan and Bruce (Shirley) and many brothers from other mothers, several nieces and nephews and a step-grandson, Jake.

Many special thanks to all the doctors and nurses involved in Rick’s care especially those of the palliative care team.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 14, 4-9pm in JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr.Hfx NS B3S 0E1(455-0531). A funeral service celebrating Rick’s life will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2:30pm in St. Ignatius Church, 1288 Bedford Highway, Father Patrick Cosgrove officiating. A private burial service will be held at later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Firefighters Burn Treatment Society or Autism Nova Scotia.