William H. Richards
1928 – 2010

FARMINGTON — William H. Richards, 81, of Farmington, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully at his home on Thursday, Feb. 18.

He was born Nov. 1, 1928, in Farmington. He graduated from Farmington High School and served in the U.S. Army, spending time in Korea and Hawaii. Bill and his wife, Dena, who died in 1989, moved back to Farmington after his discharge from the service. They built a home on the Holley Road. Their second home on the Holley Road was built entirely of logs in the late 1970s, an example of how Bill sought out new experiences and loved the challenge of learning new skills.

He loved the outdoors, especially the Maine wilderness, his whole life and studied to become a registered Maine guide, going on to earn the title “Master Guide.”  He guided fishing parties at the Megantic Fish and Game Club. He took his family on many fishing, canoeing, and camping trips, traveling for miles on deserted gravel logging roads to find the best spots. He loved fly fishing and learned to tie his own flies. Other challenges he took on were earning his pilot’s license, learning to scuba dive, and more recently, playing video games on his PS2. He built his own wooden canoe, working by the side of an ‘old master’ he met one summer at Moosehead Lake. He owned and operated a Maple Syrup Orchard, recruiting friends and family to gather and boil sap in the spring. He worked for many years at Sugarloaf Mountain as a security guard.

He loved Maine history. He was a member of the Benedict Arnold Association and spent many hours over the years studying aerial maps and history books to trace Arnold’s route through Maine to Quebec. He searched for and found artifacts of the fated trip, including musket balls and a knife blade.  He collected books about Maine history, especially natural history. He panned for gold and would proudly show off the collection of gold flakes he had found.

 He was a member of both the Incredible Seniors and Super Seniors Bowling Leagues at the time of his death. He and his longtime dear friend and companion, Katie Wattles, were members together and well-known in the bowling community. He also enjoyed golfing with Katie and taking long walks with their German Shepherds. He has owned and loved German Shepherds his whole life. He will be sadly missed by his beloved Rex, who was by his side when he died.

 Bill is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Richards Comparetto of North Yarmouth; his son, William C. Richards of Portland; his sister, Peggy Downs of Lebanon; nieces and nephews; four grandchildren, Zephyr, Zeke, Miles and Christopher; and a great-grandson, Zakai. He will be missed by all who knew him well.