RICHARDS, Gerald (Gerry) William, LCol (Ret’d), CD, RCAF – Finance, RCLS
It is with profound sadness that we announce Gerry passed away peacefully with family by his side, at the age of 89, on January 21, 2025. Gerry leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Robina Julia (née O’Grady) and a legacy of love and dedication as brother to Marlene and Jack; father to Shaun (Celina) and Anne (Robert); and father-in-law to Lisa. Gerry was an adoring grandpa to Tiffany (Andrew), Scott (Lindsay), Nicole and Matthew; great-grandpa to Clara, Hannah, Cayde and Paxton and beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by his extended family and friends.
A proud Nova Scotian, Gerry’s distinguished 34-year career with National Defence began in 1962 following graduation from St. Mary’s University, class of ‘59, with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and three years with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Halifax, NS. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF) as Finance Officer at CFB Trenton ON, CFB Goose Bay NL, CFS Sydney NS, CFB North Bay ON before completing the inaugural Command and Staff Course at the Canadian Forces College Toronto ON in 1975. He then served in the Directorates of Financial Services and of Budget at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, ON. He was awarded a National Defence Deputy Minister’s Commendation medal and a Canadian Forces’ Decoration medal.
After retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1982, he continued working at National Defence Headquarters in the Directorate of Budget with the Public Service of Canada before fully retiring in 1996.
Those who knew Gerry well will remember his love of fishing, reading, food, cold beer, scotch, talking about world events and politics, and his generosity with family and friends.
A Private Funeral Service will be held for family and invited guests at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Friday, February 7, 2025, beginning at 12 noon with visitation. Service will be at 1:00 p.m. in the Sacred Space with interment with Military Honours at 2:00 p.m. in the National Military Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent Hospital in Gerry’s memory.