Obituary of Richard William Comeau

Richard William Comeau – 65 White’s Lake With sadness in our hearts we announce the sudden passing of our loved one Richard William Comeau, 30 July, 2023. He was born at the Halifax Grace Maternity Hospital and was the son of the late Rita and Richard Comeau. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Angela (Crowe) who he had an unwavering devotion, for 35 years. In an instant he became a father and grandfather. He took on all the children as his own. Daughters, Tina, Shauna (John), Rue (Gavin), and Madison. Predeceased by Danny. A caring grandfather to Joshua, Chelsie, Abby/Jack, Ashley, Daniel, Cole, Lily, and Kyler. Amazing great grandfather to Travis, Carter, Teagan, Austin, Devyn and Daniel. Richard was raised in Kline Heights as a boy. “Not Spryfield, it’s Cowie Hill” he would say. He bragged of making his television debut on Fire House Frolics with fire chief Murray. I’m sure he was an instant star. Sport of choice, he played for the local McKenzie’s Colts hockey team. He also loved to tinker around by taking things apart and putting them back together, something he carried on into his adulthood. Richard had a large family with 8 siblings. He was known as “The Boy” Brothers, Andrew(Cathy), Vernon(Fay), Roger, Bradly(Penny), and Danny(Annisa). Sister, Jean(Laurens), Aunt Donna and Cookie(Donna). Predeceased by sisters, Ruth and Marilyn. Extended Family much loved by mother-in-law Dorothy. Brother-in-law Karl(Sherri); Sister-in-law Kim(John). Predeceased by father-in-law(Sid/Flash); sister-in-law Deborah(Bryan); brother-in-law Shawn(Susan). Also many nieces, nephews and cousins. As the boy grew older he worked small jobs mowing lawns, cleaning carpets and for a moving company. He moved out at the ripe age of 17. He grew up creating exciting havoc adventures for himself in Kline Heights. He found himself moving those adventures and hanging out with his cousins in White’s Lake. Where he spent the rest of his days. Additionally, meeting his life-long partner and love of his life. “One of them Crowe girls”. Richard had a strong work ethic. At 20 years old he started to work for Halterm & Ceres as a longshoreman. He sat around waiting for his number to be called. Working his way up from cardboard, lasher to crane operator. He tried his hand at foreman but he apparently had a hard time telling his buddies what to do...back to the crane he went. Joining Halifax Longshoreman Association Union Local 269 in 1986 to retirement, 2015. But let’s be honest, he never fully retired. Papa took no fashion cues from anyone! People knew him for his long curly blonde locks. His signature look was a buttoned down open chested shirt, a jean or checkered jacket, a pair of Wrangler’s and cowboy boots. Paired with a hat of choice. Commonly known as Luke, Papa, old poopie, and even Rachel; Richard had a fondness of old western movies. He was an aficionado of outlaw country music; Merle, Willie, Hank, George, Waylon and Johnny while sitting around a campfire twirling his chin hairs between his fingers enjoying solitude. He loved his camp, fishing, 4 wheeling, off roading with his jeep and was a crack shot for target practice. He took great pleasure in the mechanical marvel of NASCAR and watching the busy streets of Coronation on a Sunday morning alongside his lovely wife. All not to be surpassed by his love affair with his slippers, Maxwell House instant coffee, Bud Beer, cigarettes, hotdogs, bologna sandwiches, boiled dinners and mustard pickles. He hated onions, wearing shorts and was scared senseless of spiders. Being color blind he was always humorously afraid of wearing a pink shirt. Richard adored his animals, whether it be a dog, cats, birds or chickens. He would always claim not another one! But one would arrive home and be cuddled at his side in no time. The chickens being the latest addition; the excitement and twinkle in his eye collecting eggs was a sight to be had. Papa was a gatherer of miscellaneous curiosities. He often found value in someone else’s garbage and made it his treasure. Very proud to show off his findings! His questionable fix it skills awarded him the name “Mr. miss a piece”. He was an excellent split in trying to be useful in repair but never putting it all back together before moving onto the next project. Richard was a proud member of the White’s Lake Royal Canadian Legion Branch 153 for over 30 years. He took great pleasure in playing darts and pool, winning many prizes and awards. His skillfull crib playing brought many sighs among fellow players when he walked into the room. He made many friends along the way with his kindness, good sense of humor and story-telling. Never be fooled by his quiet demeanor, he could talk a hide off a cow! Many kitchen parties could attest to that. Papa was always there when you needed him, whether you were in need of the collective family road side assistance or just in need of a helping hand. No questions asked, well maybe a smart a** one… We will remember him for his kind loving nature, his playfulness and his endearing stubbornness. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and love in knowing this man as family and as a friend. He will be missed dearly. Our memories of you will keep us company. You will always be on our mind. The family would like to welcome you for a gathering at White’s Lake Legion the 13th August, 2023, 2pm-6pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Additionally, we would like to thank all the first aid responders who assisted us in our time of need. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Halifax. (902) 835-4212.