1951 ~ 2026
Saint-Louis-de-Kent NB-Claude Joseph Richard May 23, 1951 – July 4, 2026, Claude left the world a kinder place and took his last peaceful breath on July 4, 2026. He was 75 years old and, until the very end, often said that he loved everything he had done in his life.
He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Adeline (née Cormier), his sisters, Auréa and Carmella and brothers in law Maurice et Réal. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeannine; his daughter, Mélanie; his brothers, Darrie (Flora), Everard (Jeannine), and Arthur (Aline); his sister, Linda; his brothers-in-law, Roger, Denis (Charlene), and Daniel; his sisters-in-law, Régina, Bernadette (Alfred), and Pauline (Gilles); as well as many nieces and nephews, and his godchildren, Chantelle, Amélie, and Jacques.
Claude and Jeannine were married 51 years ago in Saint Joseph du Moine. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed countless trips between their home in Saint-Louis-de-Kent and Cape Breton, building a life rooted in love, joy, and deep mutual respect.
Originally from Guimond Village, Claude found a way to recreate the peace and connection to nature that he cherished as a child in the home he built in Saint-Louis-de-Kent. He had a passion for planting trees and faithfully fed the birds every day. Nature was his sanctuary. He loved camping trips and spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter. Above all, his family was everything to him.
Claude had a remarkable gift for making a difference in people’s lives. He was a trusted confidant and a caring friend. A simple encounter with him often became an encouraging conversation, a joke to bring a smile, or a helping hand when it was needed most. People were rarely strangers to him for long. Over the years, he gave generously to his community as a volunteer, firefighter, municipal councillor, driver for the local school’s sports teams, and facilitator for youth groups in the SPV movement.
Professionally, Claude followed his dreams by becoming a certified small-engine and automotive mechanic. He spent most of his career as a mechanic at Kouchibouguac National Park and took on safety facilitator assignments throughout the Atlantic provinces. Committed to lifelong learning, he became a respected expert in troubleshooting and took great satisfaction in finding solutions for his colleagues.
Claude loved ending the day on the patio, looking up at the sky with a good cup of tea. His love of life, his kindness, and the genuine care he showed to everyone he met were extraordinary. We know he was grateful for every person who crossed his path, for the moments you shared with him, and for the prayers offered on his behalf. He will be missed beyond words, and his love will continue to live on in all of us.
In keeping with Claude’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.
If you would like to honour his memory, we invite you to do an act of kindness: take someone who feels alone for a drive, be present for someone who needs you, plant a tree, or feed the birds.
The family invites you to sign the online book of condolences at:
www.funerairepassagefuneral.ca
Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of
Passage-Maillet Funeral Cooperative
29 rue de l’Église
Bouctouche, NB E4S 2Z5
(506) 743-2207.
