John F. Richardson Sr.

RUMFORD - John F. Richardson Sr., 75, died on April 29, 2008 at his residence on the East Andover Road.
     Born in Rumford on July 3, 1932, he was a son of Merle and Angelina (Fisher) Richardson. He was a graduate of Stephens High School class of 1951. He served in the US Army from 1952 - 1954. He worked for Boise Cascade in the maintenance department until his retirement in 1986.
     John was an individual who was proud to be an American. He believed in the backbone of the old American way. He was a believer in hard work, honesty, and frugality. He came from a line of hard working individuals and was quite proud of his heritage.
     He took pride in his garden and looked forward to sharing its' produce along with a story or two with friends or strangers who happened to stop by. His patriotism was exemplified by his collection of eagles that he had acquired over the years.
     Nothing was without value to John. He knew those who loved him well, and always seemed to find a treasure at a yardsale with someone else in mind. He was a true giver of the heart. John enjoyed chatting with friends and sharing stories from the past.
     He always had advice or words of wisdom for any who would listen along with a joke or a prank or both. He was an avid "scrapbooker" keeping up on his grandchildren's schooling events and sporting activities.
     He was very much interested in the lives of those he cared for especially Cerese, Sandra and Pea Soup. His home was his place where one was always welcome and one was sure to be given a bit of a history lesson and told a joke or two while visiting.
     John embraced people. He was very much a true and loyal friend to many and a deep and saddened loss will be felt by those who knew and loved him. Any who had the gift of his friendship were truly blessed.
     John enjoyed Grange Dinners and senior citizens bus tours. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.
     Survivors include a son, Lester Richardson and his wife, Patty of East Andover; two daughters, Joan of Vermont and Kathy of East Andover; two brothers, Raymond Richardson of New Hampshire and Steve Richardson of Florida; a sister, Marie Jessup of Oregon; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and his daughter-in-law, Nancy Mercier and her husband, Wayne of Rumford.
     He was predeceased by a beloved son, John Richardson, Jr.; four brothers, Merle "Scotty" Richardson, Pascal "Buck" Richardson, Roger Richardson and Richard "Dick" Richardson; and two sisters, Emma Viger and Lorraine Vodola.