NEWBURYPORT, Mass. – Gilbert N. Richards Jr., 65, of Wahiawa, Hawaii, and Fayette, Maine, passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, Mass., due to complications stemming from a blood clot in his liver. He was born May 30, 1958, in Farmington, the son of Gilbert and Glenda (Ledger) Richards. He was a 1976 graduate of Livermore Falls High School. On Aug. 10, 1979, at the Norlands in Livermore, he married Wendy Wilkins of Livermore Falls. Gib joined the U.S. Navy after high school, spending six years based at the Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii. This time afforded Gib the opportunity to travel to the Philippines, Guam, and Kwajalein; he later transitioned to a civilian contracting position, which brought him to live in Germany for six months, and he also traveled to Okinawa, Japan. In recent years, he worked directly for the Department of Defense, proudly protecting the internet security of the Pacific Fleet. His life was certainly not all work, though – in addition to his family, Gib enjoyed a wide range of pursuits. A devoted athlete in his youth, his high school years were spent rotating through football, skiing, and cycling. In fact, he placed third in New England in giant slalom, and was the junior division Maine state champion in cycling. His love of cycling persisted throughout his life, both on the bike and off. He served as the United States Cycling Federation representative in Hawaii for many years, coached the Junior National Olympic Cycling Team, and helped found Hawaii’s fourth grade bicycle education program. In recent years an interest in fine woodworking inspired Gib to build a woodworking shop at their home in Wahiawa, collecting and creating a variety of custom tools. Perhaps the highlight of the shop was the hand-made, foot-powered lathe he designed and built himself. Many family members are proud to have his beautiful pieces in their homes. “He will be remembered as a man with a big voice and an even bigger heart, who loved and accepted his family and friends as they were.” Gib is survived by his wife of 44 years, Wendy Wilkins of Wahiawa, Hawaii and Fayette, Maine, son, Kenneth Prehn and his partner Fiona Afoa of Fayette, daughter, Katelyn Richards and fiancé, Jacob Hutchinson of Newburyport, MA, his sisters, Gaye Ouellette and husband Mark and family of Jay, and Gina Richards and family of Winthrop, and his extended and loving second family, the descendants of Clayton and Arlene Wilkins. He was predeceased by his parents, and nephew, Ben Barclay. Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, February 10, at FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine. Visitation 4-7 p.m., Friday, February 9, at the funeral home.

If desired in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: The BikeEd Youth Education Program at this address: http://www.hbl.org/gib/

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