RICHARD, Armand Joseph (Curly)
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Armand (Curly) Richard on March 22, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.
Survived by his adoring wife of 62 years Cecile (Maillet), Children: Ronnie, Gisele (Louis) Wilby, Andre, Monique (Andrew) Jeffrey. Grandchildren: Nicole (Derick) Weeks, Manny, Chloe, McKenzie, Mark, Samuel and great grandson Weston. Brothers Eric (Madelaine), Johnny (late Faith), and many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents: Marie Blanche (Cormier) Richard and John Richard Sisters: Lena, Mary, Jeannie and Maclena. Brothers: Celime, Emile, Joe, Eddy, Gaspar, Prosper and Granddaughter Amy.
Born April 30, 1927 in Rogersville, NB, Curly, a self taught musician spent a lifetime “tickling the ivories” on a piano-accordion, and piano. With his winning smile, and zest for playing, he brought so much joy entertaining. Curly was an original member of "The Bunkhouse Boys" band where he enjoyed a 19 year career as a musician playing throughout the Maritimes, including 13 years on the Bunkhouse Boys TV show that aired on CKCW-Moncton. After the band retired, Curly moved his family to Fredericton and continued playing part time with various bands, such as Pooter Bailey Band, Bob Landry, and appeared many times at the Fredericton Playhouse with the Capital City Jamboree, Legion dances and many charity functions.
Curly was a recipient of the ECMA’s Stomping Tom Connors Award, and was inducted into the Minto Country Music Wall of Fame, and the NB Country Music Hall of Fame. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. Besides his musical career, Curly was a very talented "Jack of All trades"; and there was no task too big or small he wouldn’t tackle. After retiring from the NBLCC, with time on his hands and a passion for antique cars he rebuilt a 1930 Model A Ford from scratch.
Armand loved travelling, fishing, camping and especially spending quality time with family and friends, which always included music and dance. He will be dearly missed by all who love him. A special thank you for the wonderful and compassionate care he received at York Care Centre. It was very apparent he loved his caregivers. A heartfelt thank you to Co Op student Emilie Harnish.
A celebration of Armand’s life will be held on Monday March 28, 2016 at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Father Bill Brennan officiating. A reception to follow in the church hall. Interment will be in the St. Anthony’s Cemetery at a later date. Bishop’s Funeral Home have been entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to York Foundation Inc.
www.bishopsfuneralhome.com