LEWISTON — Richard C. Ryder, 79, a resident of Webber Avenue, Lewiston. died unexpectedly Monday, July 16, at Central Maine Medical Center with his family by his side.

He was born in Livermore, April 24, 1933, the son of Cedric and Ruth (Verrill) Ryder.

Richard graduated in 1951 from Edward Little High School. He also was an active member of Boy Scouts, where he achieved scouting’s highest rank as an Eagle Scout, where in later years became a leader and commissioner in the scouting organization. He also served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and then following the service graduated from Gorham State Teachers’ College in 1958.

Prior to his retirement, he taught industrial arts at Rangeley High School, Jordan Junior High School, and was also a driver’s education teacher at Edward Little High School. He sold life insurance for Provident Life and Mutual of New York. He continued to work as a sales representative for Mueller’s Macaroni and Spaghetti.

Richard was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish. He was a longtime communicant of the former St. Patrick’s Church, where he served as a eucharistic minister. He was also a member of the Elks, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and the VFW.

He had a love of family, and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and the happy times with friends especially “The Gang.’

Survivors include his wife and companion of 53 years, the former Kathleen Maher, of Lewiston; two daughters, Kelly Ryder and companion, Henry Swan, of Lewiston and Stephanie Kelley and husband, David, of Norwood, Mass.; five grandchildren, Ryan and Chad Pomerleau, Meaghan, Matthew, and Katherine Kelley; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Gacetta of Vermont; one brother, Wesley V. Ryder and wife, Glenys, of Danville; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Special thanks to Pat Pelletier of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and Michael Tyne of the Prince of Peace Parish.

Rest in Peace Dick, we will love you forever.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.