Richard Oland remembered by Saint John citizens

Friends and colleagues are paying tribute to Saint John businessman Richard Oland as the police investigation into his death continues.

The 69-year-old brother of Moosehead Breweries CEO Derek Oland, wasfound deadin his office Thursday in the city's uptown.

Saint John police responded to a 911 call about 9 a.m. Thursday.

Chief Bill Reid said he has extra officers working around the clock on the case.

"They're investigating this right now," said Reid. "I can't comment on weapons, the potential of the cause of death, can't comment really on anything because really our members at this stage of the game are really trying to articulate what took place, trying to find that out and really come to some sense of what they have and obviously go in that direction."

Later Friday, Reidsaid police wanted to assure the public the death was not a random event.

"This is not a situation where we have somebody randomly going around and assaulting or, you know, doing something to individuals," Reid said. "It's an isolated situation."

'He was focused on getting things done.' Jane Fullerton, N.B. Museum CEO

Reid said a forensics team is processing the scene and officers are interviewing potential witnesses.

Officers used sniffer dogs to search the area for evidence and canvassed people in neighbouring buildings.

Police planto holda press conference regarding Oland's death on Monday. Reid said autopsy results are expected back Monday, and police should be able to determine by then if the case is a homicide.

Family appreciates condolences

Oland's family issued a statement Friday asking the media to respect the family's privacy and noted they would not dointerviews.

"This is a very difficult time for our family," the statement reads.

"We are very proud of Richard's many personal and business achievements and contributions to Saint John and the region.

"We will remember him fondly and truly appreciate the outpouring of support and heartfelt remembrances we have already received."

'Oh the fun we had'

Pat Darrah said he knew Oland for decades.

"Oh the fun we had andI was close to him," saidDarrah.

He and Oland worked together to bring the Canada Games to Saint John in 1985.

Darrah noted he sometimes had to sootheruffled feathers because Oland was not always diplomatic when he wasdetermined toget something done.

"His heart and soul was in the cause," Darrah said.

Darrah also saidOland was a champion for the city.

"The legacy of what he's done for the community shows in every corner of it," he said.

A driving force

Oland also served as the president of the New Brunswick Museum for years, helping establish it in uptown Saint John.

"He was certainly driven," said museum CEO Jane Fullerton. "He was passionate. He was focused on getting things done. He had an ability to bring people together and to get them to work together to get things done."

Olandwas honoured as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1997, for his efforts as an entrepreneur with a social conscience.

When not hard at work, Oland raced yachts, winning races around the world, including the International Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas in 2010.

Macgregor Grant sailed with Oland since they were kids and said Oland was an inspiration in the sailing community.

"He was somebody that had gone to the big leagues, out of here, and done really well, and something you could aspire to," Grant said.

Oland is survived byhis wife,three children and six grandchildren.