Obituary of Richard Thomas Atha

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mr. Richard Thomas Atha announces his sudden passing at his home in Fredericton, New Brunswick on February, 1st 2023.

He is survived by and was the devoted and loving husband of Melody Lauren Atha (Levere); cherished father to Erin Elizabeth Atha and Neal Andrew Fyfe Atha and will be truly and greatly missed by grandchildren Casey McKay Zeller, Oromocto, NB, Hana Mary Lauren Zeller, Ami Jane Marie McKinnon and Ethan Richard John McKinnon, of Rusagonis, NB. He is also survived by his brothers Michael Peterson, Trenton, ON, Steven Peterson, Leduc, AB, Henry Peterson, Trenton, ON, Doug Atha, Langley, BC; his sisters Christine McColloch (Peterson), Kathy Peterson, Oshawa, ON and Fran Michael, Morrisburg, ON and many cousins, nieces and nephews across the country. 

Rick loved to cook and share a meal with family and friends. 

He was quick with a joke or funny comment and brought many so much laughter and smiles. 

He was always forgiving, gave his opinion without hesitation and loved fiercely at every moment. 

Many in his community, as well as his family, know that Rick loved to tinker; he helped everyone around him and served his country and the UN proudly with distinction from his youth. 

He bettered both communities in Trenton, Ont and Fredericton, NB that he resided in as well as other places he lived around the world. 

From his 18 1/2 years of Military Service where he travelled all over the world, to being a family man, or even his love of trucking where he held a long time career and loved working with Erb Transport, being with them for many years, he was always in service to others. He left us with the best example of a loving and caring brother, a devoted husband, the best father and the kindest of souls that you can come across and will forever be missed deeply by many may he rest peacefully until we meet again, Love your family.

An intimate celebration of life will be held at his home at 112 Leafwood Crescent, Tuesday, February 7th at 1pm. We would love for you to stop by and share a story with us you have of my dad, Rick, have a beverage, and celebrate a life well lived. See you then. 

 If you are not in the NB area, we will also be holding a celebration of life for Rick in Trenton, ON, where his family plot is, in the spring, date to be announced. 

Donations in memoriam will be welcome and can be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society in Rick's name. 

Special thanks from our family goes to Ashley from Extra Mural for the fabulous, compassionate care she provided that made a difference for him and for us and to Tanya at McAdam’s Funeral Home for helping guide our family through this difficult time/process with compassion and understanding. 

Flowers can be arranged through Growers Direct, Fredericton.