1931 – 2014

PORTLAND — Richard “Dick” Douglass, 83, of Bethel died on Saturday, June 28, at Maine Medical Center after a brief illness.

Dick was born Feb. 25, 1931, in Bethel, the son of Fred and Olive (Austin) Douglass. He graduated from Gould Academy in 1951 and went on to serve in The National Guard.

On Sept. 4, 1954, Dick married Grace (Taylor) Douglass. Over the years, they made their home in Portland, York and Westbrook before moving back to Bethel. His employment included Merrill Transport, Maine Department of Transportation, and Gulf Oil before starting a business of his own.

Richard enjoyed his gravel business, especially meeting all of the customers. After his family and business, Dick’s greatest love was horses. He spent many hours harnessing, driving and educating others.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years; sons, Bruce of Bethel, Brian and wife, Gina, of Bethel, and Brent and wife, Shelley, of Albany Township; a daughter, Beth Ann and husband, Charles Lusky, of Lovell; five grandchildren, Braden and wife, Andrea, Bronson, Brianna, Britany and River Ann.

He was predeceased by his parents.