HUBBARD, Walter “Richard” – of Yarmouth. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richie, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Richie was a wonderful and loving husband to his wife, Barbara (Spencer); a devoted father to his children, Jane Hubbard, Dawn (Curt) Morton, Rich Jr. (Jackie), Paul (Denise), Jill Hubbard, and a caring stepfather to Susan (Dave) Dodge and Steven (Tonia) Schofield; a loving “pup” to his adoring grandchildren, Michael, Jason, Carmen, Nicholas, Jessica, Christopher, Tyler, Jennifer, Amy and Drew; “Papa” to his great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Monica, Ashton and Olivia. Also surviving are his loving sisters, Hazel Doucette, Mae Goodwin and Mickey (Conrad LeBlanc). Rich treasured the friendship of the many people he encountered on life’s journey, keeping in contact throughout his life with his ex-service “buddies”. He loved life and living and believed in the “good” of all God’s creation. Rich was very proud of his Acadian roots and had a close and loving relationship with his parents, brothers and sisters. Along with his commitment to family, he had a full career and lifetime of service to his country and his community. He served 24 years as a Physical Education and Recreation Instructor in the Royal Canadian Air Force, with postings in France, England and across Canada. Upon retirement from the RCAF, Rich became the first Recreation Director for the Town of Yarmouth, a position he held until entering politics in 1993. In June of 1993, he was elected to serve as the Yarmouth Member in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, where he completed a term of five years. Although he officially retired in 1998, he continued to take an active role and interest in the community, especially in being able to help and serve people. He assisted and promoted sports in Yarmouth and throughout his career in the Armed Forces. He participated as a player, coach, team and facility builder. He received many awards and special recognitions for his contributions, with highlights being his induction to the Yarmouth Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 and being honored by Sport Nova Scotia. He was an active member of Saint Ambrose Cathedral, serving in various ministries and committees over the years; he was a Fourth Degree Knight and a member of the Yarmouth Diocese Cursillo Movement. In September of 2006, he was inducted as a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. As well, he was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 61, Yarmouth. He always made people feel special and was humbled by being able to “offer a helping hand”. He had many, many interests, which made him fun to be around; he was a sports enthusiast, an outdoor person who enjoyed nature, camping, canoeing, biking, hiking and traveling. Those who knew him would say “the world is a better place because of him”. Rich was predeceased by his parents, Eli and Ann Celina (Thibeault) Hubbard; first wife, Diana (Wyatt) of Surrey, England; infant son, Richard; brothers, Willard and Neil; sisters, Blanche (Thibeault) and Marion (Spinney). Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Yarmouth. Visitation took place Thursday, May 5 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with a Royal Canadian Legion Br. 61 service at 7:30 p.m., followed by prayers at 8 p.m. Funeral mass was held Friday, May 6 at 2 p.m. from St. Ambrose Cathedral, Father John MacPherson and Father Clarence Thibeau officiated. Interment followed in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to the Yarmouth Food Bank. On-line condolences may be sent to: sweenysfh@eastlink.ca or you may sign the guestbook on-line at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.net