The Honourable K. Peter “Pete” Richard, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, passed away on December 14, 2025. He was 93 years old.

“On behalf of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, I send my condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the late Justice Peter Richard. The judges of the Supreme Court join in honouring his life and career, and grieving his passing,” said the Hon. Deborah K. Smith, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.

Justice Richard earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from St. Francis Xavier University in 1952. He began his career as a business operator before being elected an alderman for the City of Halifax. It was during his time in office that he chose to study law, graduating from Dalhousie Law School (now the Schulich School of Law) in 1967. He was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar the same year and opened a private practice in Antigonish.

In June 1978, he was appointed to the Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. As a judge, he was at the forefront of assisting judges to adopt computer and digital technology. In May 1992, Justice Richard was appointed Commissioner of the Westry Mine Public Inquiry. He elected supernumerary status in January 1997 and retired from the Bench in 2007.

To read Justice Richard’s full obituary, visit JA Snow Funeral Home’s website.