RUMFORD – Richard “Dick” Dupuis died unexpectedly on July 11. He joined his father in Heaven.

He spent his last weeks doing what he loved to do, taking care of his family and grandchildren. During his 63 years of life, he embodied the genuine characteristics of “the family man.” Nothing in this world meant more to him than spending his waking hours with those he truly loved.

He was born on July 2, 1942, to Alphonse and Annette Dupuis of Rumford.

Imagine marrying the woman that you fell in love with at 13. Richard and Doreen (Richard) Dupuis were married on Feb. 3, 1962, and were blessed with three lovely daughters.

He graduated from Stephens High School in 1960 and he continued working in the family business at Mount Zircon Spring Water Co. He managed and operated the business with the help of his daughters. Staying connected with his idea of family closeness and team players, he and family purchased Davis Florist of Rumford.

He has been known to bring a few laughs to the girls at the shop and he received many in return. He also formed a bulk spring water co-operative in Maine and for the last 10 years has been plant manager for Carrabassett Spring Water Co. With his in-depth knowledge of the spring water business, he worked closely with the state of Maine regulatory offices responsible for spring water rules and regulations.

He was an active member of the Rumford community. He was a member of the Rumford Polar Bear Snowmobile Club, the Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus. He also served on the board of directors for Black Mountain Ski area. He was proud to proclaim that “every child in this area would have the opportunity to use the facilities and to ski if they so desired.”

Being an avid outdoorsman, he could always be seen taking his grandchildren for nature rides on his snowmobile or four-wheeler. He attended every baseball game, dance recital, concert or school event that he could, because he loved his grandchildren so dearly.

He was a supporter of many charitable events going on in this area. He was instrumental in forming the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life team known as “Michaels Angels” in memory of his beloved son-in-law, Michael Milligan.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Doreen Dupuis; three daughters, Kathy Humphreys and her husband, Mark, of Scarborough, Sherry Milligan and Rick Greene of Rumford, and Shelly Ouellette and her husband, Paul, of Turner; “adopted daughter,” Kiaya Berube and her husband, Dana, of Auburn; six grandchildren, Meghan Humphreys, Erin Milligan, Jacob and Nathan Ouellette, and Cameron and Isabel Berube; his mother, Annette Dupuis of Rumford; and four sisters.

He was predeceased by his father, Alphonse Dupuis; one sister; and son-in-law, Michael Milligan.

With his ever present smile and a quick retort, he leaves us with comfort. In his last minutes of life his smile returned as his “new team” welcomed him to heaven.