Weymouth, Mass. – Harvey J. Richards, 86, of Weymouth, Mass., formally of Leeds, died Monday, Aug. 13, at his home after a short illness.

He was born Jan. 22, 1921, in Rumford, a son of William (Bill) and Mary Richards.

He entered the United States Army on Feb. 24, 1941, and was honorably discharged Dec. 19, 1945.

He was a projectionist, who was responsible for the operations and maintenance for 35 MM projection and sound equipment in various army theaters.

He worked for the paper mill in Rumford. He then decided to train and drive race horses in the 50s until he retired in the later 70s.

He still enjoyed going to the races and being a member of the U.S.T.A. and the M.H.H.A. He enjoyed all the harness tracks in Maine, and while living in Massachusetts he would go to PlainRidge most every Monday and Tuesday. He surely loved harness racing.

He could tell you stories on how the racing has changed over the years.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He enjoyed many friends and enjoyed being with his family.

He enjoyed the Red Sox, Patriots and watching old Western movies.

He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Dora May (Porter) Richards; two daughters, Mary Jane Parker and her fiancé, Gaetan Cloutier, of Leeds, and Pam Averill and husband, Mark, of Sabattus; three sons, William (Bill) of Weymouth, Mass., Gary and his wife, Ginhee, of Schenectady, NY., and Gerald and his companion, Sondra, of Leeds; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Armand; sister, Anita Chiasson.

He will be dearly missed by all.