1921 – 2016

KENSINGTON, N.H.— KENSINGTON, N.H.—Richard W. Sarle Sr., 94, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 28, after a brief illness.

He was born on Sept. 20, 1921, in Providence, R.I. He was the son of Percy and Edith (McIntosh) Sarle. The family moved to Rumford when he was two years old. He attended grade school there and graduated from Stephens High School in 1940. He went on to Brown University and graduated with an engineering degree in 1943.

Shortly after graduation, he became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy with a specialty in navigation. He served during World War II on the USS Edwards Destroyer 619 in the Pacific Theatre.

After the service, he moved back to Rumford. In 1949, he married Marion (Wright). They were married for 54 years until Marion’s death in 2003.

In Rumford, he worked for the Oxford Paper Co. for 25 years. He then became the engineer/director of the Lewiston Auburn Water Pollution Control Authority, helping to build the facility from the ground up. He retired in 1987, but didn’t stop working. He and Marion owned and operated Auburn Travel Service in Auburn and Saco Tour and Travel in Saco for 25 years. This gave them the opportunity to do one of their favorite things, travel around the world.

Richard was very proud of one of his early accomplishments. He was a Boy Scout and earned their highest rank of Eagle Scout. He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow. He was a life member of the Eastern Star Pine Cone Chapter in Auburn and the Mt. Zircon Chapter in Rumford. He served as worthy patron two times. He was also a life member of the Masons and served as master Mason. He was a member of the Scottish and York Rites and the Shriners Kora Temple. He was a life member of the American Legion, as well.

He had many special interests and hobbies. He loved to paint, water ski, snow ski, sail and play golf. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots. On winter weekends, he had a great time being a national ski jumping judge. He even was a referee for the jumping in the 1980 Winter Olympics held in Lake Placid.

For years, Richard and Marion traveled once a year to the USS Edwards reunions with shipmates. After Marion’s passing, his grandson, Todd, would join him on these trips. He served as president of the gathering for two years. They hosted the reunion in Boston, Mass.

When he moved to Kensington, N.H., he took up a new hobby of playing bingo with his daughter each week at the Kensington American Legion.

He is survived by his daughter, Gloria Lariviere and her husband, Phil of Kensington, N.H.; son, Richard Sarle Jr. of Rumford; grandson, Todd Lariviere and his wife, Shelley, of Haverhill, Mass.; grandsons, Richard Sarle III in the Navy, Benjamin Sarle of Rumford, and Kevin Sarle in the Army; special friend of the family, Pat Rea of Auburn; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marion; and his younger brother, Alan.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer condolences by visiting Richard’s online guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.