LEWISTON — Richard B. (Getch) Gatchell Jr., 69, of Torrey Road, Poland, died Tuesday, July 24, at CMMC with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Lewiston on Nov. 7, 1948, a son of Richard and Helen Verderber Gatchell. He was educated in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1967. While at ELHS, he was a star football and baseball player and a member of the ski team.

Getch was always very involved in local athletics; he umpired softball, he was a referee for youth football, bowled in several bowling leagues through the years, coached several different teams and was a very active member of The Auburn Grand Stand Club. He also was a member of Tranquil Lodge and the Kora Shrine, where he was the master of ceremonies for the Second Section for 27 years.

Rick married the former Margaret “Peggy” Sawyer on Aug. 27, 1988, and together they shared many happy times with their family and many friends. Rick owned and operated Getch’s in Auburn in the mid-’70s and again in Turner in the ’90s where he made many lasting friendships. He also worked at WD Matthew’s, L&A Tent and Awning and most recently was a funeral attendant at The Fortin Group Funeral Homes, a job he truly enjoyed, and he helped several families over the years.

Getch knew everyone and if he didn’t know you he made it a point to get to know you in just a few minutes. He had a great sense of humor and a way to always make people laugh; he was the life of any party and will be missed by so many true friends and family.

He enjoyed following the local sport teams and watching old Westerns. For the past five years he and Peggy stayed in Zephyrhills, Fla., for the winters, where he again made several new friends. He loved being down there and looked forward to spending his winters there. He also loved his family and especially loved his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Peggy Gatchell, of Poland; his mother, Helen V. Gatchell, of Auburn; his daughter, Katie Gatchell Asselin, and her husband, Coby, of Auburn; his stepson, Kevin Simoneau, and his wife, Robin, of Turner; his stepdaughter, Tracy Mathews, and her husband, Bob, of Lewiston; his two sisters, Susan and Diane Gatchell, both of Auburn; his brother, David V. Gatchell, of Casco; his five grandchildren, Kirsten and Jacob Lupher and Cassie Asselin, all of Auburn, Spencer Simoneau and his wife, Cara, of Poland and Parker Simoneau of Turner; and a great-grandson, Spencer James Simoneau Jr.

He was predeceased by his father, Richard Briggs Gatchell.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Rick’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

Richard B. Gatchell Jr.