Obituary of John "Richard" King

Surrounded by the love of his family, John ‘Richard’ King passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at Hospice House Fredericton. His final days were spent with those who meant the most to him. 

Born in Fredericton on July 12, 1942, he was a son of the late John and Marion (Yeomans) King.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Diane (Briggs); daughters, Karla; Leah-Ann (Jon), and Marissa (J.P); grandchildren, Emily, Abby, Kathleen, Wesley, and Ella; great-grandchildren, Sterling, Frances, Maci, Kacey and his beloved cat, Karen. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Duane, and granddaughters, Hannah and Victoria.

Richard had 28 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, Communications Command. He served a tour of duty in 1980-81 with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in the Golan Heights. 

Following his retirement from the military, he worked an additional 10 years for the Federal Civil Service, Department of National Defence. 

Richard had a deep love of music and could often be found strumming his guitar or playing the harmonica, especially when surrounded by the sounds of bluegrass. He found peace while fishing or spending time at Grand Lake, a place that held special meaning for him and his family. Grand Lake was the backdrop to countless memories, filled with laughter, music, and stories that will be forever treasured by those who loved him.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Bea Sainz, Dr. Stephane Paulin, and the entire staff of Hospice House Fredericton for their care and compassion in his final days. We would also like to thank the Doctors and Nurses at the Saint John Regional Hospital Dialysis Unit for their wonderful care and attention that went above and beyond. 

A memorial service will take place on May 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at J. A. McAdam’s Memorial Chapel, led by Fr. John Jennings. Interment will take place at a later date in Forest Hill Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Hospice House Fredericton.

For those unable to attend the service, a live stream will be available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/5121561