Richard John Burns

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Richard (Rick) John Burns, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Rick passed away at home February 23, 2024. Born November 22, 1944 in Roseway Hospital, Shelburne, NS.

Rick was predeceased by his parents, John Augustus and Marion (nee Holden) Burns, his brother, George Burns and brother-in-law, Ralph Pickrem.

Rick is survived by his loving wife Patricia (nee Biech) of 58 years, daughter Nicole (Kyle) Marryatt, brothers Ronnie (Pam) Burns and Pat (Vesna) Burns, sisters Hazel (Ronnie) Hector, Maggie (Robert) Knox, Karen (Howie) Stillman, Brenda (Wade) Johnston, Maureen Pickrem and Kathy (John) Hazel as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

A proud Nova Scotian, Rick served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 33 years. He enlisted as a Guardsman and served on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. While in the Army, he served two tours in Cyprus, remustered as military police (1965), served a tour in the Middle East, was a member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment (1972-1975), spent eight years in Germany and served many years at various bases across Canada.

Retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces as a Chief Warrant Officer (1995), Rick went to work with the Department of Justice in NS and then as a Major with the Commissionaires until 2020. Rick was also a member of the Freemasons.

Visitation will be Tuesday March 5th in the afternoon between 2 and 4pm and evening between 6 and 8pm. Celebration of Life Reception will be March 6th starting at 2pm with remarks starting at 3pm. At JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr, Halifax, NS

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Last Post Fund (www.lastpostfund.ca) or to a charity of your choice.