RUMFORD – Richard N. “Dick” Burgess, 73, died Friday, June 24, at his residence on Crescent Avenue in Rumford. He was a lifelong resident of the area.

He was born in Rumford, Jan. 31, 1932, a son of William and Flora (Bushley) Burgess, and graduated from Mexico High School Class of 1950.

A veteran, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army from Nov. 24, 1952 to Oct. 2, 1954, and served during the Korean War.

Dick was a machine tender at Boise Cascade Paper Co. in Rumford for more than 44 years and retired in 1994.

He was a member of the Boise Cascade Paper Co. 25 & 40 Year Club, and a member of the Virgin Memorial Chapel of the Rumford United Methodist Church. He was an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 581 and served as Camping Committee Chairman Snowshoe District of the B.S.A.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and especially loved to spend time with his family.

Dick was married in Rumford, on April 11, 1953, to the former Nellie Florence Milligan who survives of Rumford.

Other survivors include a daughter Reta Purington and husband, Roland, of Rumford; a son, Gregory Burgess and wife, Donna, of Rumford; four grandchildren, Christopher and Aaron Burgess of Rumford, Marie and James White Jr. of Rumford; two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Colby Parent of Rumford; four stepgrandchildren, Melissa and Merle Lufkin Jr. of Peru, Nathan and Morgan Purington of Jay; two brothers, Ashley Burgess and wife, Connie, of Lewiston, Charles Burgess of Canton; four sisters, Marilyn MacDonald of Saint John, New Brunswick, Louise Brooks and husband, Ralph, of Seattle, Wash., Marie Jonaitis of Lewiston, Sally Russell and husband, “Bud,” of New Gloucester; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy MacDonald, and a brother, William Burgess.

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