FARMINGTON – William H. Richards, 81, of Farmington passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Feb. 18, 2010 at his home in Farmington.
Bill was born November 1, 1928 in Farmington. He graduated from Farmington High School and served in the U.S. Army, spending time in Korea and Hawaii. Bill and his wife Dena, who died in 1989, moved back to Farmington after his discharge from the service. They built a home on the Holley Road. Their second home on the Holley Road was built entirely of logs in the late 1970s, an example of how Bill sought out new experiences and loved the challenge of learning new skills.
Bill loved the outdoors, especially the Maine wilderness his whole life and studied to become a Registered Maine Guide, going on to earn the title “Master Guide;” he guided fishing parties at the Megantic Fish and Game Club. He took his family on many fishing, canoeing, and camping trips; travelling for miles on deserted gravel logging roads to find the best spots. He loved fly fishing and learned to tie his own flies.
Other challenges Bill took on were earning his pilot’s license, learning to scuba dive, and more recently playing video games on his PS2. He built his own wooden canoe, working by the side of an ‘old master’ he met one summer at Moosehead Lake. He owned and operated a Maple Syrup Orchard, recruiting friends and family to gather and boil sap in the spring. Bill worked for many years at Sugarloaf Mountain as a security guard.
Bill loved Maine history. He was a member of the Benedict Arnold Association and spent many hours over the years studying aerial maps and history books to trace Arnold’s route through Maine to Quebec. He searched for and found artifacts of the fated trip including musket balls and a knife blade. Bill collected books about Maine history, especially natural history. Bill panned gold, and would proudly show off the collection of gold flakes he had found.
Bill was a member of both the Incredible Seniors and Super Seniors Bowling Leagues at the time of his death. He and his longtime dear friend and companion, Katie Wattles were members together and well-known in the bowling community. Bill also enjoyed golfing with Katie and taking long walks with their German Shepherds. Bill has owned and loved German Shepherds his whole life. He will be sadly missed by his beloved Rex who was by his side when he died.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Richards Comparetto of North Yarmouth; his son, William C. Richards of Portland; his sister Peggy Downs of Lebanon, and nieces and nephews. Additionally, he leaves four grandchildren; Zephyr, Zeke, Miles, and Christopher and a great-grandson, Zakai. He will be missed by all who knew him well.
Those wishing to, may make donations in Bill’s name to the Franklin County Animal Shelter, 550 Industry Rd., Farmington ME, 04938 in lieu of flowers. We would like to invite Bill’s family and friends to a gathering at the Fairbanks School Meeting House 2 ½ miles North of Farmington on Rte. 4 on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 8 – 11:30 a.m. to share stories and relive memories. Arrangements under the direction of Adams~McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services, 108 Court St., Farmington. Those wishing may send condolences to the family through the funeral home Web site www.adamsmcfarlane.com
