Police are investigating the death of prominent businessman Richard Oland as murder.
Oland, a member of New Brunswick’s well-known Rothesay family, was found dead at his office in downtown Saint John on July 7.
Police believe 69-year-old Oland, whose funeral took place Tuesday, had to have known his attacker.
“I would suggest to you that at the end of this investigation we’ll find that the perpetrator and the victim knew each other,” Saint John police Chief Bill Reid told reporters Monday.
In a statement released last week, New Brunswick Premier David Alward described Oland as an “accomplished businessman, an avid sailor and sportsman,” and a community supporter.
“Mr. Oland’s contributions to his community of Greater Saint John and to New Brunswick were as generous as they were significant,” Alward said.
Oland’s family have thanked those offering condolences, and asked for privacy.
“We are very proud of Richard’s many personal and business achievements and contributions to Saint John and the region,” the family said in a statement.
John Ainsworth, who owns the building that Oland’s office was in, said Oland was very enthusiastic about life.
“The most striking thing about the man was his enthusiasm and his zest for life,” said Ainsworth, who often engaged in conversations with Oland about different topics ranging from Oland’s trips around the world to his gadgets.
Ainsworth said the community is in shock over the death. Among other businesses in NB, the Rothesay family owned and operated Moosehead Breweries for decades.
“People can’t imagine why [this happened],” he said.
“That stuff doesn’t happen often in this city.”
