Wade Richardson Obituary (1933 - 2013)

PLYMOUTH - Wade Richardson, 80, died at home February 5, 2013 surrounded by the love of his entire family. Dad was born January 8, 1933 at home in Plymouth to Stanley B. and Lillace (White) Richardson, just 2 miles from where he lived the majority of his adult life. In his words "the apple didn't fall far from the tree". He graduated from Newport High School, Class of 1951. Wade served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-1957. After leaving the Air Force he was employed for over 30 years at Maine Central Railroad performing various jobs in the mechanical department, where he formed lifetime friendships. He also served as shop superintendent in Waterville, and foreman of the Bangor engine house. From 1989 until his retirement in 1997 Dad was a safety inspector for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). He was also a certified presenter for Operation Lifesaver, a railroad safety program. For over 55 years Dad was a member and Past Master of Meridian Splendor Lodge #49 A.F. & A.M. in Newport. He also had belonged to York Rite Masonic bodies and was a member of Anah Temple Shrine. If you visited with Dad for any period of time you would learn pretty quickly that he loved to tell stories and recall days gone by, usually involving people he loved from the town of Plymouth. Dad was an unofficial historian since he lived here for most of his 80 years and was proud to be involved in town politics as the first selectman. He also served on the S.A.D. #48 School Board. Most mornings, in his retirement, he and his beautiful bride Gerry (whom he married June 13, 1964) could be found at the Village Store in Plymouth sharing coffee and fellowship with some great friends. Dad loved time spent outdoors and enjoyed each season and what it had to offer. Spring and summers would find Dad mowing lawns or in the garden, rototilling, planting, and weeding, while sharing his love of gardening with his grandchildren, all in anticipation of the first fruits of his labor......the first radish of the season. He also enjoyed bird hunting, especially duck hunting, and had a great love for every one of his dogs throughout the years. Most recently his Katy girl has been by his side with unconditional love. In winter months he and mom would set off on snowmobiling day trips and just enjoy the beauty and nature of God's creation. Dad shared and stressed the importance of a good sense of humor throughout his life and has given us many numerous funny poems and stories to cherish and share with future generations. Dad loved music his entire life and could be heard many times a day singing or whistling tunes he loved. As a result of his love for music Dad joined the Mainely Music Barbershop Chorus in 2011 which fulfilled his musical "hankerings". If he had one regret in life it would be that he didn't join them sooner. He thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of being part of that group of fine gentlemen who became great friends to both mom and him. Although he accomplished much in his lifetime and had many creative interests that enriched his life, nothing could compare to the gift of being "Grumpy" to his eight grandchildren who have been thoroughly blessed to have his love and guidance as he has shared his love of music, humor, stories, creativity and, most importantly, the role model of a man that personifies integrity, honesty and humility. He was a great example of a "life well lived" by a man of quiet gentle strength. Dad is survived by his wife and love of his life for 48 years, Geraldine (Adams) Richardson of Plymouth; 2 sons, David Richardson and wife Tonya and their children, Samantha and Benjamin of Plymouth and Dean Richardson and wife Sheila and their children Tyler, Amanda and Liana of Gorham; a daughter Kathleen (Richardson) Dyer and husband Darrin of Palmyra and their children Andrew, Matthew and Adrienne; a sister Colleen (Richardson) Coates of Kezar Falls; several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Eastern Maine Medical Center Hospice, especially Julie and Kim for their care. He was predeceased by his parents; and a brother Glenn Richardson. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Monday, at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport where a Masonic Service will be conducted at 7:30 P.M. Services will be held 11 A.M. Tuesday, February 12th at the funeral home with the Rev. Terence McKinley officiating. Spring burial will be in the family lot, Sawyer Cemetery, Plymouth. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to one of the following organizations: Corinna United Methodist Church Cancer Support Group, c/o CUMC, P.O. Box 418, Corinna, ME 04928; Meridian Splendor Lodge #49, c/o Errald Turner, 18 Elm Street, Newport, ME 04953; Mainely Music Barbershop Chorus, c/o Russ Van Arsdale, 19 Robin Hood Drive, Brewer, ME 04412; or The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P. O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.