Obituary of John Freman Richardson

On Friday, February 14, 2025 John took his last drive into the sunset, leaving all of us with heavy hearts, missing the great guy we knew and loved. 

On November 6, 1946 in Sussex, NB the delivery Doctor proclaimed, “Here’s Johnny!”

John is survived by his children: son, Mark (Aimee Hooper), Mark’s mother, Karen (McConaghy); daughter, Robyn (Jamie Rice) and son, Ryan (Jayden Wormell), and their mother Jane (Black). Also leaving to mourn are his stepchildren, Jason (Cynthia) Lyttle, and Allyson (Les) Belyea; his grandkids who called him “Grumpy”: Cole, Callan, Sam, Emma, Ethan, Kendra, and Brianna; as well as many nieces and nephews. Also, his special brother-in-law, Terry MacKenzie and his wife, Susan; and his sister, Minnie Redfern. 

One of ten children, John is predeceased by his parents, Jennie Mae (Prosser) and Russell Freman, who took all of them to Goshen for many summer outings. Also predeceased by sisters: Mary, Laura, Lena, Pauline, Lorraine; and brothers: Joe, Lloyd and Everett. John was predeceased by his wife Lori (Mackenzie), the love of his life and best friend. 

John’s family moved to Saint John in 1957 where he established his lifelong roots and developed his special passion for people, driving tour busses that took him all over North America.

His desire to serve and protect the folks of Saint John inspired him to join the Police Force in 1970, where he and his many fellow officers kept the criminal element at bay for 31 years (retiring in 2001). John also looked after his fellow Police Officers as an Executive Officer of the Saint John Police Association for fifteen years, President for seven years and mentored many young Officers during his career. 

After retiring from his professional Policing career, John returned to his passion of driving tour bus, where the relationships with his many passengers was infectious- he loved them and they loved him, often showering him with big tips for getting them though the busiest streets in the biggest cities of Canada and the US. 

John loved hockey, both as a player and avid fan. In his playing days he was known as Saint John’s Gordie Howe alias “Elbows”. John was President of the Saint John Youth Minor Hockey Association, helping the developing young hockey players in the community. John was a continuous season ticket holder of the Saint John Flames and Sea Dogs for 32 years. 

John was a devoted and lifelong boater; he was a tidal force of the Saint John Power Boat Club for over 30 years. 

John knew everyone in the city; he was the go-to guy, helping everyone and anyone when needed. A great friend and confidant to many, he will be sorely missed leaving a big hole in the community. 

The family would like to thank Drs. Gray, Campbell, and Wildish as well as the staff of Oncology at the SJRH. A special thanks to the extra mural program nurse, Monique.

A compassionate thanks to Josie Pike, “Special Companion” and traveling partner over the past three years, as well as Jason Rice for always lending a hand when needed. 

Honorary Pallbearers: George Kennedy, George Chapman, Pat Bonner, Terry Mackenzie, John Lane, and Bob Davidson. 

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424).

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 2:00pm-6:00pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 69 (714 Wilson St, Saint John), open to the public. 

Interment will take place at a later date.