Obituary of Timothy John Richardson

Timothy John Richardson (July 17, 1964 - August 27, 2020)

 

It is with profound sadness that I announce the sudden and unexpected passing of my father on August 27, 2020.  He is survived by me, Ellen Richardson, Fredericton, his mother, Nancy (Grancy) Wolfe of St. Andrews, his sister, Elizabeth Matthews (Jim) and niece Kate Matthews of Mississauga, as well as an aunt, uncles, cousins and cherished friends.

 

I loved my father and I am blessed with many wonderful memories that are helping me with my unfathomable grief. 

 

Among my most cherished memories of our times together were our long and frequent beachcombing excursions to our secret sand dollar beach where we collected hundreds of treasures.  Together we transformed sand dollars, sea urchin shells, driftwood, beach glass, and more recently coral into creative pieces of artwork that we often gifted to family members and loved ones. 

 

I also remember fondly our shopping trips with other family members – sometimes Bangor and frequently Marden’s – where he would ferret out hidden gems the rest of us would overlook.  Those trips were so much more than shopping – they were one of many traditions that became the cement of the incredible bond we shared.

 

One of my favorite stories about Dad when he was little took place at Chicken Soup Corner, a legendary tale that is part of our family lore.

 

Many who knew my father will remember him as the unofficial Mayor of Fredericton because he seemed to know everyone in town.  Others will remember his much-loved radio program, the Sunday File, from his days as an award-winning journalist.

 

Dad had endless energy and was always in search of more knowledge in many areas of interest.  He was an art lover and antique expert who frequently attended Tim Issacs’s legendary auctions, where he had an eye for forlorn pieces of furniture that he saw as objects with endless potential.  Furniture restoration became an enduring passion. He planned to realize a long-time dream of opening a storefront featuring reclaimed building materials and reinvented treasures created from his auction finds.

 

Dad cared about his community, serving on the Board of Directors of Transition House and the VON.  He threw himself whole-heartedly into the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival for many years, with the same drive and passion he poured into anything with which he was involved.

 

Dad excelled at so many things. He was a consummate story teller, both as a speaker and writer.  He was a master in his own kitchen and a gardener extraordinaire.  The site of the amazing flower garden he dedicated himself to this summer is but one example of the beauty he was always creating around him.  It seemed like there was nothing he couldn’t do – except perhaps the time he decided to renovate a bathroom and discovered he wasn’t a carpenter!

 

He was predeceased by his best canine friend and loyal companion, Murphy, his black lab.  After Murphy, he became part-time “father” to Lucie, Grancy’s golden retriever, who is also confused and missing my Dad.

 

I love you Dad and miss you beyond measure, but you will always be in my heart.  I hope you are in a place of peace.

 

He is resting at York Funeral Home, yorkfuneralhome@yorkfh.com.  By request, there will be no visitation or funeral.  The family will have a private burial at a later date.