1935 – 2015

LEWISTON — Richard Gordon Garnett, 80, a lifetime resident of Lisbon Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 2, and went home to be with his Lord and Savior.

He was born on January 16, 1935, in Bath, the oldest of five children to the late Gordon and Carrie (Wilson) Garnett. He grew up in Durham and Lisbon where he hunted, fished and learned to work on cars. He attended Edward Little High School where he participated in band, shop class and football, graduating in 1954. He served his country in the United States Army before attending and graduating from Bliss Business College in 1957. Later in life, he studied at the Pastoral Counseling Institute at Liberty Baptist College in Lynchburg, Va.

He married Marie Mason on March 7, 1959, and together they celebrated 56 years of marriage.

For most of his 40 years of work life, he was self-employed as a home improvement contractor. Not only did his job provide for his large family, it afforded him opportunities to build lifelong friendships across the state of Maine. He also got his realtor’s license and sold real estate locally. He was a contributor to his community, serving on the board of selectmen for several terms. His real passion was in seeing God move in people’s lives. As a result, God called him to start and pastor several local churches. He also founded the Northeast Crusades ministry, was involved with Mercy Flights as a pilot, and was a lifetime Chaplain of Soldiers for Jesus Motorcycle Club. He was an active member of the Lisbon Falls Baptist Church.

In his spare time, he enjoyed flying his own plane, riding his Harley, boating and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Marie of Lisbon Falls; his children, Gregory and Cheri Garnett of Lisbon, Vicki and Henry Cooper of Chesterville, Nancy and Ronald Shank of Maryland, Jeffrey and Martha Garnett of Lisbon Falls, Kimberly and Gregory Bokash of New Jersey and Andrew Garnett of Lisbon. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; as well as his brothers, Ralph and David Garnett; and his sister, Olivia Mason.

He was predeceased by his brother, Nathan; and his daughter, Carrie (Garnett) Haskell.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.