Ross "Fred" Frederick Richardson, ACL, BSC

Born to Garfield and Grace Richardson on the family farm in Burnstown, Ontario, Fred was

raised in an era of hard work and character-building austerity. He attended a one-room school

house, and then Queen’s University where he graduated in 1950. And so began his very

successful career in the life insurance industry. His first job was at Empire Life in Kingston, ON.

He went on to a storied career as CEO of major life insurance companies in three countries –

Maritime Life, (NS) Abbey Life (England), Hartford Life, (Conn.) and Crown Life (ON, SK).

Fred achieved membership in the Young President’s Organization (YPO) and over his long career

was well respected within the industry, featured in numerous editions of Who’s Who in America

and in the World. Throughout his career, Fred utilized his skills and expertise while serving on

many boards. He played a leading role in getting state approval of variable life, which is now a

major US industry product.

Fred was a leader, an innovator, a mentor and an executive who always practiced integrity. He

was a businessperson who attentively listened to every point of view before making a decision.

Although he was passionate about his career, his family was his greatest pleasure. His kindness,

patience, fairness and generosity with all of us was unmeasured. He adored his grandchildren,

and espoused education, diplomacy and kindness above all. He believed every one of them had

great gifts to offer the world.

Fred liked to say his retirement years were longer than his working life, a reward to which we

should all aspire. Retirement winters were spent in Florida and summers in Halifax. He and his

wife Betty enjoyed playing bridge, dancing, global travel, ski trips and endless rounds of golf.

Fred was forever dashing off to one committee or another. He had a voracious appetite for

knowledge. We all knew to do our research before starting a conversation about politics,

economics, philosophy, the arts or history. Dinner table debates were measured and polite, but

fierce, and always educational. That appreciation for knowledge and education, for careful and

thorough discussion is a rich legacy he leaves to us all.

Fred and Betty’s recent move to Halifax allowed more time with family and old friends for which

we are all very grateful. Friends in Halifax will remember Fred from his involvement with the

Halifax Grammar School, Ashburn Golf Club, the Halifax Club, The Saraguay and Waegwoltic

Clubs.

Fred was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Predeceased by his parents and

siblings: brothers Bob (Irene), George (Eunice), sister Marion Russet (Frank). Also, by his and

Betty’s son, Kenneth Publicover (Karen).

Fred is survived by and will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Betty Richardson and his six

children: Sheri Richardson (Mississauga), Bob (Susan Clark) Richardson (Halifax), Paul (Donna)

Richardson (Kingston), Gerald (Linda) Publicover (Halifax), Dana Publicover (Hubbards),

daughter-in-law Karen Wentzell (Halifax) and sister-in-law, Eunice (George) Richardson

(Renfrew). Fred also leaves to mourn twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren with

two more to arrive soon.

A visitation for Fred will be held Friday, October 22, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew's United Church, 1479 Barrington St,, Halifax, Nova Scotia. A reception will take place Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Ashburn Golf Club, 3250 Joseph Howe Dr., Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Proof of vaccination record and a government issued ID are required at all events)

To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com