Obituary of Richard Clare King

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Clare King announce his passing which occurred on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB. Born in Wetaskiwin, AB on May 17, 1944, he was the son of the late Clarence and LaVerne (Larson) King.

Richard is survived by his loving wife Sheila King of Hampton, NB; children: Cherie Marshall (David) of Hampton, NB, Tim King (Erin) of Hampton, NB and Vicki Hallett (Michael) of Hampton, NB; grandchildren: Cody O’Keefe (Lydia), Darcy O’Keefe, Regan O’Keefe, Kelsey O’Keefe, Kailey Hallett, Sydney Hallett, Jacob King, Sam King, Ethan King, Adam Marshall and Alex Marshall; great grandchildren: Lincoln and Ryker Chamberlain; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brother Roger King.

Richard was known by many during his life through the various occupations that he had. He was a carpenter; notably building the Hampton Pavilion, the former Atlantic Press and Pine Design building (now the Hampton Health Care Centre), and the original log cabin at the Hampton Bible camp. He was also the first ambulance driver in Hampton, retrofitting his personal van as an ambulance with the help of Dr. V.A. Snow and later joining the volunteer ambulance service. He worked as the Director for the Hampton Bible Camp alongside his wife and kids who lived onsite. Later in life, he worked as the Building Inspector/Bylaw Enforcement Officer for the Town of Hampton before retiring to spend more time with his wife at their beloved cottage in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia.   

Richard could see the best in anything and bring out the best in everyone. He had a vibrant, creative imagination which he expressed through his many artistic endeavours and hobbies. Whether it be quilting, sewing, or building functional décor out of old pieces of rope, buoys, and beach wood, he tried almost everything once, and excelled at every turn. He had a unique ability to create something beautiful out of the everyday, and he passed this ability on through the stories he told and the smiles and laughter he brought to those who were fortunate enough to know and spend time with him. Yes, even his rambling, unique sense of humour had its charm.

A self-proclaimed “Social Convener”, Richard valued his time with dear friends and family. He enjoyed bringing people together; whether it be for a quiet visit in his home or cottage (although it’s never truly quiet if Sheila has anything to do with it), or for a game of washer toss, or for day trips with his wife and friends. He loved his wife, three children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren dearly. He led with his kind heart and open arms, making genuine connections with the people that he met, truly welcoming them into his home and making them part of the family, and creating lasting imprints on the many lives he has touched.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB. A celebration of life will take place on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 11:00AM from Hampton Baptist Church, Hampton, NB. Interment will take place in the spring at Hampton Rural Cemetery, Hampton, NB.

Donations in memory of Richard may be made to the Hampton Bible Camp or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com