Captain Richard Kiely
Badge #20
1930-1960
LODD
Article from the Chronicle Herald newspaper
CAPTAIN DIES FIGHTING TWO ALARM CITY BLAZE
A Halifax fire department captain, Richard J Kiely, 50, died Monday while battling a two alarm blaze near the Halifax Infirmary in the city’s Sound End. Capt. Kiely of 147 Beech Street collapsed at the height of the fire which broke out in a construction shed at the rear of the hospital’s new addition. He was rushed to the hospital’s operating table where doctors massaged his heart. Capt. Kiely did not respond to the treatment.
TRAFFIC HALTED
The blaze destroyed a shed housing tools and building materials. Two 200 gallon oil drums were also in the building. Complete damage estimate is not yet available. City firemen fought the stubborn fire during the city’s first major snowstorm of the year.
Traffic ground to a halt on two main city streets adjacent to the hospital as fire fighting equipment ploughed its way to the scene. One wall of a new four storey convent suffered smoke and water damage in the outbreak.
Windows were broken by the heat and portions of the woodwork near the windows and roof were ignited. Quick work by fireman contained the blaze to the storage shed. The infirmary and its new 350 bed addition were not damaged by the fire.
Valued at 7,500,000, the addition was scheduled for completion early in 1961. It will bring to 438 the number of beds in the hospital operated by the Sisters of Charity. Cause of the outbreak was still unknown late last night city fire officials said.
Captain Kiely had been a member of the Halifax Fire Department for 31 years. He was promoted to the rank of captain in 1945.
Surviving is his wife Marion (formerly Meehan): one daughter Sheila (Mrs., Robert Wilson) Victoria; five sisters Mrs. J. George Coughran. Halifax; Mrs. Noreen Brown. Oremocto. N.B. Mrs. Marcia Young, Halifax, two brothers James, Halifax, and William, Charlottetown PEI.
A member of St. Theresa’s Parish, Captain Kiely was a fourth degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Charitable Irish Society.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been arranged.
Another article from the Chronicle Herald newspaper, a few days later
The funeral of Richard John Kiely, 50, a Halifax Fire Department Captain who died suddenly while fighting a two alarm fire at the Halifax Infirmary Monday, will be held Thursday from St. Theresa’s Church for 9 o’clock Mass. Remains are resting at Cruickshank’s funeral home.
He is survived by his wife the former Marion Meehan of Halifax, one daughter, Sheila, Mrs. Robert Wilson of Victoria, BC, five sisters Margaret, Mrs. J Britten of Ottawa, Rita, Mrs. Joseph Howe of Montreal, Marie, Mrs. George Coughran of Halifax, Mrs. Noreen Brown of Oromocto, NB, and Anne Mrs. Harris Young of Halifax, two brothers Sergeant James Kiely of RCOC Halifax, and Sergeant William Kiely of RCCS Charlottetown PEI.