Roland "Dick" Richards

SOUTH CANAAN, VT-- Mr. Roland R. “Dick” Richards, 88, died on Sunday, July 15, 2012, at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on May 22, 1924, in Clarksville, NH, a son to the late Perley Richards and Sarah Ardes Heath. He was educated in the local schools and later served with honor during World War II in the U.S. Army. His military service included time in the cavalry, and then Dick became a paratrooper, seeing action in the Philippines during the war. After his military service, Dick worked briefly for Pratt & Whitney before settling in Mont Vernon, NH, where he farmed for several years. He moved back to his native north country and was a life-long farmer here, as well. Dick was well known as a great storyteller. He was also a beloved local columnist, recounting those stories and local history for many years in the Colebrook Chronicle and Northern New Hampshire Magazine. He was also an avid card player who enjoyed a good game of poker, and he followed his Boston sports team closely, always watching the Red Sox and the Patriots whenever possible. Dick also was a voracious reader and fan of Louis L’Amour westerns, reading them all several times. He also enjoyed visiting with his many friends, and he loved spending time with his many grandchildren. Dick leaves behind his beloved wife of 37 years, Elseia (Shallow) Richards of West Stewartstown; four sons, Earl Richards of Sebago, Me., Dennis Richards and wife Lisa of Candia, NH, Craig Richards and wife Elizabeth of Colebrook, and Josh Richards of Stewartstown; three daughters, Paula Reynolds and husband Vern of Columbia, NH, Colleen Richards of Derry, NH, and Sher Callanan and husband Andy of Manchester, NH; three step-children, Gail Watson and husband Jim of Rexford, NY, Wayne Chapple and wife Paula of Winterhaven, Fl., and Peter Chapple of Stewartstown; a brother, Earl Richards and wife Betty of Pittsburg, NH; a sister, Alice Conover of Northville, NY; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many, many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by a son, Terry Richards; two brothers, Gerard and Frank Richards; and a sister, Thelma Richards. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, from 5-8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A funeral will be held the next morning, Thursday, July 19, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Richards may be made to the CCNH Residents’ Activity Fund, P.O. Box 10, West Stewartstown, NH 03597. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Roland "Dick" Richards

May 22, 1924 - July 15, 2012