Visit the Smith Funeral Home website to send your condolences and support
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Bluewater Health, Kenneth Ernest Richard passed away suddenly at the age of 76.
Beloved husband of Penny Richard sharing 54 loving years together. Loving father of Christopher (Tahni) Richard and Heather (Darren) Kelly. Cherished grandfather of Hannah, Tanner, Hunter, Rilee-Rae Richard, and Kayden Kelly. Dear brother of Judy (the late David) Bak, Robert (the late Tracy) Richard, Jamie Richard and brothers-in-law of Robert (the late Gwen) Marshall, Fred (Linda) Backman, and the late Angus Backman. Treasured uncle of Sharon Bak, Andrew (Brandi) Bak, and Curtis (Layla) Richard, Karen (Joe) Dubois, Barb (Mike) Bouma, Maggie (Jason) Lovegrove, Barb (John) Baxter, Lisa Catran, Lisa (Sherri) Backman, and Jason Backman. Ken will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents James and Evelyn Richard.
Ken joined the OPP on March 16, 1979. He began his career in Blind River, he also served in Kakabeka Falls. Ken proudly retired as a decorated Sergeant in Thunder Bay, Ontario on March 31, 2002. Ken truly loved serving his community as an officer and sergeant. He built many relationships and lifelong friendships throughout his career.
Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ken raised his family there. He then moved to Sarnia in 2018. He deeply adored his family. Throughout his younger years he was involved in community sports leagues and coached minor hockey and baseball. He enjoyed traveling from the east coast to west and eventually becoming a snowbird down in Florida. A devoted sports fan he was. The Green Bay Packers, Toronto Blue Jays, Montreal Canadiens and Sarnia Sting were at the top of the of his lists. He looked forward to his Friday morning Brittoli coffee club (Bob, Russ, Chris,) as well as his Wednesday OPP breakfast group.
Ken leaves behind treasured friendships with John & Gay Hornak, Murray & Shirley McCuaig, cousin Eddie Richard and Doug Fonso who will miss him deeply.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Smith Funeral Home – London Line Chapel, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. A livestream will be made available on his memorial page at the time of service. Family and friends are being received one hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (cheques only at the funeral home please).
