JAY — Reginald R. Richards, 82, died Thursday, March 22, at his residence on Franklin Road, with his loving family beside him.

Born in East Jay on Aug. 27, 1935, he was the son of Edwin and Lucienne (Belanger) Richards.

He attended school in Jay until the eighth grade. Since he was the second oldest of 15 children it was time for Reggie to go to work on the farm. Farming, haying and raising cattle kept Reggie very busy, but after a long day of work, a walk from the fields with Sylvia to Parker Pond for a swim was a welcomed treat.

Reggie married Sylvia Brooks on Aug. 22, 1958, and they began a life together, raising their children, a marriage that would last for close to 60 years.

He worked many years at Norwalk Bass Shoe, retiring in 1997.

Reggie’s favorite pastime was spending time at his camp on Sand Pond with family and friends, a camp he built with his own hands, rowing lumber across the pond until a road was brought in … that he too helped make.

He loved to eat out, especially when the menu included lobster. On Christmas Eve, Reggie and Sylvia would invite friends and neighbors over to their home, enjoying Reggie’s homemade beans and blueberry cake. He was known as the greatest fix-it man there was. His children and grandchildren always said, “Call Papa, he will fix it!”

As close to him as family would be the dogs in his life, his relationships with them represent the meaning of “man’s best friend.”

He always gave more to others than to himself, spending hours visiting friends and family at home, nursing homes, hospitals or wherever they may be. He would greet you with a “HEEEEYYYY,” arm wave and big smile, and he was always good. He would take his grandkids on these visitations, stopping to have breakfast at Family Fare, enjoying the orange marmalade jelly on his toast. He enjoyed giving to people of his time, his skills, sharing 40 pounds of blueberries or peas to making sure children in the area had coats and book bags.

He loved his family, friends and people in general and was always willing to help others … selfless.

Reggie is survived by his wife, Sylvia, who refers to him as “a sweetheart;” his son, Randy, and wife, Rose; his son, Rick, and his wife, Lezlie; his grandchildren, Sheena Thomas and her husband, Jason, Bryndi McIntyre and her husband, Brad, Ryan, Kariss and Grant; great-grandchildren, Evan and Amaya Thomas, Kenzi and Malarie Richards; several nieces and nephews; siblings, Arlene McGrath, Luella Pease and her husband, Danny, Arnold and his wife, Yvette, Albert and his wife, Sally, Freddie and his wife, Beverly, Annette Welch and her husband, Keith, Paul and his wife, Becky, Lew, Donald and Alfred.

He was predeceased by his mother and father; and siblings, Dorothy Quirrion, Arthur, Earl, Jean Holman; and his grandson, Brock Reginald.

The family would like to thank the many thoughtful prayers, food and visits from members of Beans Corner Baptist Church. Also, the caring service of the Hospice team members with special thanks to Mary and his private nurse, Andrea Mooar.

Condolences and tributes may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

Reginald R. Richards

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