Richard "Rick" Squires

Richard Squires – 78, of New Minas, formerly of St. John’s, NL, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at home and in the company of his beloved wife and children, following a brave and extended health battle. A proud Newfoundlander, Richard was born in St. John’s NL and was a son of the late Hubert and Bessie (Ford) Squires.

Richard joined the St. John’s Regional Fire Department in 1969 and became a dedicated Professional Fire Fighter, achieving the rank of Lieutenant and being assigned the role of acting Captain during his tenure. He was based at the Central Fire Station but worked in different stations within St. John’s. Richard was one of the brave members called to the Harvey Road fire in 1992. He was an active member of the union and Honour Guard, being asked to attend the visits of Queen Elizabeth II in 1978 and Pope John Paul II in 1984. It gives his family immense pride to talk about his service as a Fire Fighter. Richard retired from the St. John’s Regional Fire Department on June 30, 1994, after 25 years of service.

Richard had a deep love and appreciation of music. Though he was never afforded the opportunity to learn an instrument, he always had music playing in the home and instilled a love of all genres in his children. His favorite genres included easy listening, country, classical, classic rock and pop. In keeping with this love of music, prior to joining the fire hall, he worked as an announcer at VOWR radio in St. John’s for two years.

Gardening was another deep love of Richard’s, and he spent many hours in his gardens, first in St. John’s, then in the Annapolis Valley, cultivating lilacs, rhododendrons, fruit trees, and his favorite, yellow roses. He always had the best manicured lawn on the block. He would be very happy to know that the garden he built at his former residence in New Minas is in the care of Jim and Heather Hockley, who kindly gifted roses in remembrance.

Trains were another passion of his, model and otherwise. When he met the woman who became his beloved wife, Elaine, he rode the Newfie Bullet from St. John’s to Corner Brook, NL to visit her whenever he could. They were married in 1970 until the day he passed. Once they were both retired, they rarely left each other’s side, and moved to the Annapolis Valley in 2001, a special place for both Richard and Elaine.

Richard is survived by his wife, Elaine (Pretty); daughter, Susan Squires, New Minas; son, Stephen (Wanda), Timberlea; grandchildren, Gregory Squires and Jared Squires; sister-in-law, Dr. Grace (Dr. Paul Bramston) Pretty, Australia; and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brother, William Squires and other extended family members.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or funeral service by family request. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Crystal Todd for her exceptional kindness, compassion, and support during Richard's illness. Donations in memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or charity of one’s choosing. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.