Richie served 24 years as a Physical Education and Recreation Instructor in the Royal Canadian Air Force, with postings in France, England and across Canada. Upon retirement from the RCAF, Rich became the first Recreation Director for the Town of Yarmouth, a position he held until entering politics in 1993. In June of 1993, he was elected to serve as the Yarmouth Member in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, where he completed a term of five years. Although he officially retired in 1998, he continued to take an active role and interest in the community, especially in being able to help and serve people. He assisted and promoted sports in Yarmouth and throughout his career in the Armed Forces. He participated as a player, coach, team and facility builder. He received many awards and special recognitions for his contributions, with highlights being his induction to the Yarmouth Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 and being honored by Sport Nova Scotia.