William Francis "Bill" Richards
It is with profound sadness that we, the family, announce Bill’s sudden passing on November 11, 2025 at home. Bill was born in Sydney, NS to Delores Martin (Richards) and was raised by his late Ma and Daddy (Mabel and Dan Richards), Trenton.
Bill was a very avid sportsman and played goalie and catcher on many hockey and ball teams and was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2025. Bill was very active within the Pictou County Jr. B Hockey Organization for many years.
Bill was employed at a very young age as the mailman for Michelin where he met many friends. Bill retired from Michelin and opened his own business, Richards Media, Stellarton. A few years later, Bill sold Richards Media and moved on to Eastern Sign Print and then the Advocate Printing from where he retired.
Bill had many friends, too many to mention by name, but you know who you are. He loved the Friday night get togethers in the garage.
Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Paula; beloved sons and their spouses: Chris and Melinda, Airdrie, Alberta; and Geoff and Natasha, Vernon, BC; and Papa to his grandkids: Evan and Katie, Airdrie, whom he loved beyond words; his mother, Delores Martin; brothers: Dale (Karen) Martin, Willie (Shelley) Martin and Blair (Barb) Martin, Cape Breton; and many nieces and nephews; his sisters-in-law: Linda (Robert). Milton , Ont; Carolyn (Danny), Pictou Landing; and Cindy (Mike), Trenton.
Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brothers: Buddy, Phillip and sister, Queenie; brothers-in-law: Richard, Reg and Ron Laffin.
Committal will take place on Sunday, November 16 at 2 pm at Christ the King Cemetery, Trenton, with Rev. Donna Tourneur presiding, followed by a Celebration of Life for Bill at the Trenton Rink Annex.
Special thanks to Trenton Fire Dept, New Glasgow Police Services and EHS who worked on Bill tirelessly and I would be remiss if I did not mention our brother-in-law, Mike, who was here in seconds and worked tirelessly on Bill hoping for a better outcome. Lastly to Brian at R.H. Porter who was here to help calm the rough waters. I appreciate everything very much.
Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Pictou County Jr B Scotians.
"Go Leafs Go"