1920 – 2014

WATERFORD — Richard F. Rice, 93, of Waterford, passed away peacefully with his loving wife at his side on Friday, April 4.

He was born on Nov. 12, 1920, the son of George H. and Helen Hamlin Rice. He attended schools in Waterford, starting at the Plummer Hill School and graduated from Bridgton Academy in 1939, where he excelled in track. He stayed on the family farm, helping his parents and giving exceptional care to his mother in her later years. He worked tirelessly along with his brother, Albert, producing milk, raising vegetables and selling firewood and timber. For many years he worked for Morse Orchards in the fall picking apples. Richard married Alta Chaplin on Jan. 26, 1980, and together they continued to carry on the work on the farm, along with their son, Rick. Richard saw many changes in farming and wood harvesting operations over the years, working with oxen, horses and then tractors. He enjoyed seeing his farm change and the work carry on with modern tractors, equipment and skidders and always had an anecdote to share about how it used to be done.

He is survived by his wife, Alta; son, Richard F. Rice II and his companion, Brandi Cushman; a special niece, Dr. Carol Rice; a special nephew, George Rice and his wife, Patty; three special girls, Sue Merrill and her daughter, Casey Cossar, and Amy Herrick-Bigonski; his sister, Rachel Deans; cousins, Ralph Gardner and Nancy Hamlin Hunter; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Charles and Albert; and sister, Ella.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.