Obituary of Richard Norrad

Life Legacy The passing of Richard “Dick” Wallace Norrad of Fredericton, NB, husband of the late Corinne (Albert) Norrad, occurred on Sunday, April 5, 2015 at his home. Born on January 30, 1934 in Sussex, NB, he was the son of the late Willard and Helen (Sutherland) Norrad. After graduating from UNB Geology in 1956, he attended military training with the Black Watch at Camp Aldershot and in Quebec. He began his long, storied sales career in 1959 with LaHave Equipment of Bridgewater, NS. He moved to Fredericton in 1964 to become General Manager of the NB Branch. Soon he became President and continued until the business was sold in 1991. He started his own company along with his son Mike in the equipment business as President of Norquip Supply Ltd. Dad was an ambitious, and hardworking individual who at 81, continued to work up until his health no longer allowed it. He held many positions and memberships with various associations such as; Canadian Mining & Metallurgy, NB, NS, NL & PEI Roadbuilder Associations, CAED, Maritime Lumber Bureau, NWCTA and others. Business associates often became life-long friends who he enjoyed spending time with, often dropping by as he was passing through. Over the years, he and Mom enjoyed every possible opportunity to dance together especially at the Thomists’ Dances along with their circle of friends. He faced his illness bravely and was determined to participate in the Quebec International Curling Bonspiel, held this January. There, he was honoured for 40 consecutive years of attendance with a standing ovation from his peers. He served as President in 1991 and was key in establishing the Maritimer Bowl Event. Once again, he continued to make many friends and along with his trusty banjo “Martha”, spent many hours entertaining. Dick and “Martha” were very well known in Sing-Song Circles from coast to coast. On several occasions he and other musician friends could be found in front of appreciative audiences such as; The War Brides, Legion Members, Retirement Home Residents, and even with Royalty. He took great pleasure in playing music and singing with family and friends and attended the first Norrad Reunion in Boiestown this past summer. Dad was a wonderful storyteller as well and easily embellished his stories with accents from all over. Dad enjoyed travelling for work and pleasure, he was fortunate to see much of the world, from Japan to Newfoundland to England. After Mom’s passing, he accepted a friend’s offer to visit him in Austria. He revelled in the beauty of the Danube and the pleasure of hearing Strauss in a historic concert hall. Dad will be missed by many. Dick is survived by his children, Carol Salmon, Mike Norrad and Janet Ramey (Jerry MacMillan) all of Fredericton and Mia Richelle (Brian) of Halifax, NS; grandchildren, Dylan and Adam Ramey, Drew Salmon, Ben Norrad, Erin and Colin Richelle; sisters, Judy Huggard of Saint John, NB and Zola “Timmy” Price of Fredericton, NB; brothers, Ralph Norrad of Fredericton, Donald “Red” (Ila) Norrad of Florida, and Douglas Norrad of Sussex, NB; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his wife and parents, Dick was predeceased by his sister, Lona “Teete” Scott and brothers, Murray Norrad, Harold Norrad, and Gordon “Dode” Norrad. A Private Family Memorial Service will take place at York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 2 pm with Father John Jennings officiating. We invite friends and family to “drop-in” for a gathering in his honour at the Fredericton Inn, between 6 and 9 pm (Prince Edward Room). Interment will take place at St. Anthony’s Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to “Music in the Schools” Program of Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival or the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com “The song is over, but the melody will last forever”.