1945 – 2013

LEWISTON — Richard “Dick” A. Hartford, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 5, with his family by his side proud of his strength and positive attitude.

Richard felt fortunate and proud of the fact that he had “many families” throughout his life. He considered the people he worked with each day and throughout his career his family. He shared great memories with his family of friends and neighbors. He remembered fondly the numerous young adults he coached as his “skiing family.”

Richard was born on April 25, 1945, to Oscar and Geneva Hartford of Lewiston. He graduated from Lewiston High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Maine. After completing college, Richard and his father, Oscar, purchased the Cobb-Winslow Insurance Agency and soon thereafter changed the name to The Hartford Agency.

In 1986 Richard started Evergreen, an insurance company for campgrounds which, under his leadership, became the largest insurer of campgrounds and RV Parks in the country. He actively remained at the helm of the companies, working with and teaching his son Lucas many wonderful life and business lessons until his death. Richard was the proud recipient of the National Association of RV Parks and Campground’s highest award, the Stan Martin Award and the Northeast Campground Associations’ highest award, The Curtis Fuller Award.

In 1988 the Leavitt High School ski coach quit in the middle of the season. Dick agreed to coach the team knowing that his own two children as well as many others were passionate about skiing. He watched proudly as his skiing family went from a 21st place in the state to a 1st and 2nd place state team. Richard worked tirelessly for the team, even converting his barn into a redemption center to raise money. He and the young adults he coached took with them the team’s motto “Pain is temporary, pride is forever.”

Richard loved fishing, woodworking, lighthouses and being outdoors. He was hard working, fun loving and extremely generous to others. One of his favorite accomplishments in the past couple years was turning a rustic camp into a fine cabin in the woods. He worked tirelessly carrying supplies to his camp where there is no road access.

He kept a positive attitude, finding something to smile about every day. It was with a smile that he recently said, “I was able to pack 102 years of living into this 68 year old body.”

Richard is survived by his life partner of 17 years, Deborah Cadwell; his daughter, April S. Hartford; his son and daughter-in-law, Lucas and Elizabeth Hartford; and his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Margaret Hartford.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Hartford; and his parents.

The family would like to thank the staff of M1 at CMMC and the staff at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for all their support.

In lieu of flowers or a charity, the family has requested anyone who wishes who is attending reception after the burial to bring with them one small 2″-3″ relatively smooth rock to be included in a memorial patio garden in honor of Dick. Anyone attending the the services are requested to dress casually and comfortable — just as Dick liked people to be, happy and comfortable.

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