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Drive-by birthday party surprises former Duncan councillor

Businessman and Kiwanis member John Richmond celebrates 90 years
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John Richmond is joined by family members, including daughter Pam, and a youngster who just happened to be at Centennial Park and couldn’t resist a party, as he marks his 90th birthday with a drive-by celebration at Duncan’s Centennial Park. Duncan Kiwanis Club members Eric Qualley and Bill Myers can be seen decorating in the backtround. (Kevin Rothbauer/Citizen)

The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop friends, family and the Duncan Kiwanis Club from celebrating the 90th birthday of John Richmond.

A former Duncan city councillor, businessman, Kiwanis member and community volunteer, Richmond had a lot of people wishing to help celebrate his birthday on July 2, but also wanting to do it in a safe, physically distanced manner.

Richmond’s family managed to get him to a birthday picnic at Centennial Park, and friends then paraded in their cars past where Richmond was seated, waving and shouting their wishes. Some parked and later sang “Happy Birthday” from an appropriate distance.

The Duncan Volunteer Fire Department managed to arrive at the muster point just in time for the parade, coming directly from a call.

“It was a total surprise,” said Kiwanis Club of Duncan president Sue Menzies. “Apparently when he was on council he was instrumental in getting that park built.”

Richmond was on city council from 1988 to 1996, operated John’s Place, a men’s clothing store for more than 40 years, and has been a member of Kiwanis, either in Duncan or other chapters, for 44 years, just shy of half his life. He is a member of the Duncan club’s Legion of Honour.