Richard G. Colby

BARRE TOWN – Richard Glen Colby, “Dick”, 89, a longtime resident of Middle Road, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2019 at the Woodridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Berlin.

Born on October 10, 1930 in Topsham, he was the son of Glen and Marjorie (Miles) Colby. He attended elementary school in Topsham and graduated from Bradford Academy in 1949. He took trade school courses at the local high schools after graduation.

In Dick’s younger years he worked as a farmer before becoming employed at the Jackman Bobbin Mill in East Corinth. He went on to work for Elmer Frost Builders in Groton and eventually spent many years as a machinist for Dixie Bobbin in Barre until his retirement.

On August 27, 1955, Dick married the love of his life, Joyce Fuller in the East Topsham Presbyterian Church. The two made their home in Topsham where they raised three wonderful children before moving to Barre Town.

A lifelong church goer, Dick attended the East Topsham Presbyterian Church, Groton Baptist Church, Websterville Baptist Church, Bible Baptist Church and the Barre Evangelical Free Church serving as Elder, Deacon and Trustee. He also assisted in the Youth Ministries, Boys Brigade and Awana.

Throughout his life, Dick had many hobbies and interests. The most important of these included woodworking and furniture, crafting many wood pieces for children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; maple sugaring, metal working, and coin collecting as well as spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years Joyce Colby of Barre Town; his daughter Mary Colby of San Pedro, CA; his two sons Richard Colby and his wife, Judy of South Ryegate, VT and John Colby and his wife, Jennifer of Litchfield, ME; as well as five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son Timothy in 1963, grandson Andrew in 1988, great-grandson Owen in 2016 and his sister Barbara Partington in 2017.

A service to honor and celebrate Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the Barre Evangelical Free Church, 17 South Main Street, Barre. Family and friends may call on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre. Later interment will take place in the Spring in the Waits River Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Dick’s name may be made to the Compassion Ministry, Barre Evangelical Free Church, 17 South Main Street, Barre, VT 05641-0277.