Obituary of Richard Wayne Cripps

Mr. Richard Wayne Cripps was born in Sussex, NB on January 30, 1947; he was the son of the late Murray and Catherine (Piers) Cripps.

Richard grew up in Norton and began working for Mr. Robertson at the Norton Service Station as a teenager. From an early age, he was the epitome of an outdoorsman. He loved to walk through the woods and be amongst the trees, preparing his wood and in his earlier years, he was an avid hunter and loved to fish the brooks. At a young age, Richard met Annabelle. Her mother used to care for him as a child and again as a teenager. Little did they know that years later over coffee – Richard would realize he was staring into the eyes of his soulmate. December they would have celebrated 29 wonderful years together.

Irish Settlement was the special family place. A place filled with so many happy memories. From picnics and canoeing with Annabelle, to skating parties, the little ones learning to swim and many a campfire and sleepover, the log house was a staple in the growth of Richard’s family.

He worked for many years in autobody repair and running tow trucks.  He had a love for cars in general; but he was always a proud owner of old classic cars. In every home he made with Annabelle, there was always a garage – because when it came to garages there was absolutely nothing that Richard couldn’t do.

Richard worked in numerous body shops in Saint John over the years. He also worked in the car dealerships in Saint John & Sussex. He received his Certificate of Attainment from the Saint John Institute of Technology in motor vehicle repair(body) on June 23, 1967. That month & year his first son was born.  He opened his own shop & the business became his life. Richard loved being in body shops, junk yards & talking to people in the business. Richard went to work in the nineties in the body shop at the Department of Transportation in Sussex.  After he retired from DOT he still worked in his own shop. It was in his blood. He taught four of his sons the business.  All five of his sons have been taught how to do things right, work hard & always give it the best possible.  Richard was a great provider for his family.

He will live on in the hearts of his wife, Annabelle; his children: Tim Cripps and his wife Jennifer of Newtown, Roy Cripps and his wife Tina of Sussex Corner, Adam Gallant and his wife Delta of Sussex, Henry Gallant of Victoria, BC and Calvin Gallant and his wife Karia of Victoria, BC; his brothers: Roy Cripps of Fredericton, David Cripps and his wife Connie of Norton and Stephen Cripps and his wife Debra of Apohaqui; his sisters: Janet Rupert of Hampton and Judy Livigne and her husband Brian of Sussex; his special family member, Gerard McGinnis; his grandchildren: Jake, Channen, Brandon, Jess, Jamie May(Toadie), Sierra, Gavin & Griffin; his great grandchildren: Jaxson & Lincoln; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Richard Wayne Cripps of Kierstead Mountain passed away at home with his wife by his side on September 18, 2019 at the age of 72.

Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers: Harold Cripps and Trevor Cripps; his brother-in-law, Doug Rupert; her sister-in-law, Brenda Cripps and by his furry friend, Dover.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 from 11am to 2pm. with a service celebrating Richard's life immediately following.