Alan D. Richardson

WILLIAMSTOWN - Alan (Rick) Richardson, 60, of 780 Flint Road, Williamstown, Vermont passed away on August 25, 2015 from complications of stomach cancer at his home. His devoted wife, Renee, and loving daughter, Katie, were at his bedside.
Born in Montpelier on May 26, 1955, Rick was one of nine children born to Harold A. and Margaret (Kellett) Richardson. The family moved from Montpelier to Barre in 1957.
While attending St. Monica Catholic School and Spaulding High School, Rick made many lifelong friends. They knew him as Rugged Rick as they shared numerous childhood and adult adventures. At the age of 18, he and one such friend headed out on a cross-country tour with the ultimate goal of seeing Evel Knievel jump the Snake River Canyon near Shoshone Falls, Idaho. Rick loved to share stories of his trip with his daughter Katie, who was enthralled by his exciting tales. Later, while on a road trip from Boise, Idaho to Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Renee, he made a side trip to revisit Shoshone Falls.
Rick worked as a carpenter for multiple employers in the greater Central Vermont area for many years; he perfected his craft primarily in the Waitsfield Valley. He used these skills to upgrade and renovate his home over the years, and took great pride in maintaining his property, keeping a well-manicured lawn, and ensuring that his tools were clean and in good repair. He got his CDL in 2004 and delivered fuel oil for Suburban Energy Services from 2004 until 2012. He was employed by Commercial Door Company in Williamstown, until he left in January 2015 due to ill health.
Rugged Rick appreciated all things outdoors. He was a sportsman who was in his element in the high country. He took pleasure in hunting, fishing, hiking with his dog, Lily, riding his snow-machine or motorcycle, kayaking and boating. He was a familiar sight at Barre Fish and Game Club’s Wednesday night skeet shoots. And he was pretty accurate with his aim.
Rick married his love and life-partner Renee Webster of Washington, VT on January 22, 1988. The love of his life, however, was their daughter Kathleen (Katie.) They were two peas in a pod. Early on, Rick instilled in Katie his love of and taste in music, especially the Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He kept a large collection of vinyl albums and CDs. Rick cranked the surround-sound stereo whenever the mood struck (which was often). He quizzed Katie on the music as it played and was proud of her knowledge of classic rock. He seldom missed any event involving his daughter and watched proudly as she played sports or participated in school plays. He was a devoted and generous father that she loved deeply.
Rick was as generous and giving to his siblings and friends as he was to Katie and Renee. He was always willing to lend a hand, help with a home-upkeep project, or host a Christmas or lawn-party. For years, he and his brother, Mike, co-owned a rustic camp in Averill where all were welcome to enjoy four-season fun. He relished time spent in Northern Maine at sporting camps operated by his brother, John, and sister-in-law, Regina. Rick enjoyed a weekend reunion camping in Groton earlier this summer with sisters, Mary Lou, Shonnie, and Dianne, and brothers, Jim, Mike, and Pete, along with brother-in-law, Jim DeVries, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was a man of few words, but his actions proved how much he loved and cared for those closest to him time and time again. During his recent hospitalization, his family, siblings and friends reciprocated in kind as they kept vigil by his bedside.
Rick was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer in January 2015. Despite the rigors of traveling to Boston and Dartmouth for chemotherapy, he showed tremendous strength and courage throughout his illness. He stayed active and engaged and kept himself busy with various projects throughout the past several months. As his health declined, his family ensured that he was able to come home as he wished.
Rick was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Margaret; sister Judy (Richardson) DeVries; sister-in law Patricia Richardson; father-in-law Reginald Webster; and brother-in-law Ross Kindestin.
He is survived by his steadfast and devoted wife Renee; dear daughter Katie; and loving siblings: James Richardson of St. Albans VT; Virginia (Shonnie) Foran of Barre; John Richardson (Regina Webster) of Clayton Lake ME; Mary Lou Richardson of Barre; Dianne Richardson of Montpelier; Michael Richardson (Gen Hagopian) of Williamstown; and Peter Richardson (Stephanie) of Barre Town. He is also survived by mother-in-law Audrey Webster; siblings-in-law Jim DeVries; Jacquelyn Kindestin; Ernie Webster (Trudy); Danele Bedard; Denise Webster; Melissa Marden (Steve); Michele Snyder (Bill); many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends; and of course, Lily - his beloved dog, companion and walking partner.
At Rick’s request, there will be no calling hours or services. Renee and Katie invite family, friends and colleagues to join them at their home at 780 Flint Road in Williamstown on September 12th, 2015 beginning at 1 pm. There will be a croquet game, Rock n’ Roll, and stories and memories of Rugged Rick.
Though uncommon in the United States, stomach cancer is the second-most deadly form of cancer in the world. The disease receives much less research and funding than other more common cancers, and is seldom detected until it has reached an incurable stage. Donations can be made in Rick’s memory online to the Gastric Cancer Research Foundation at http://www.gastriccancer.org/make-a-difference/donate.