N.B. businessman Oland's funeral draws hundreds
Family, friends and several prominent Saint John citizens gathered at Richard Oland's funeral on Tuesday to honour the prominent New Brunswick businessman who was killed last week.
An estimated 450 people filled to capacity Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rothesay, N.B.
Rev. Michael LeBlanc was overseeing the Roman Catholic funeral, which began at 12 p.m. and ended with the playing of Frank Sinatra's My Way.
New Brunswick Premier David Alward, along with several Progressive Conservative cabinet ministers and MLAs, attended the funeral, along with Saint John Mayor Ivan Court.
"I think it's always difficult in the best of circumstances for a life to be lost. When you stop and think of all the good this person has done for this community and all of New Brunswick, this is a beautiful celebration of life for him," he said.
Pat Darrah, a longtime friend, delivered the eulogy. "He was a dear friend and a great, wonderful, community person. We're going to miss him tremendously," Darrah said after the service.
Killed at his office
Oland was found dead on Thursday morning in his office in Saint John. The police confirmed on Monday that Oland's death was a homicide but have released few other details.
Oland is survived by his wife and three children. The Oland family owns Moosehead Brewery, but Richard Oland left the company in the 1980s. His brother Derek now runs the brewery as its executive chairman.
Oland was an accomplished sailor. He won the International Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas in 2010.