MERCER — Michael Andrew Richard, 53, of Mercer, formerly of Mexico, passed away on Jan. 24, 2012, at his residence.

He was born on May 29, 1958, in Rumford. He was the beloved only son of Joseph Ivan and Lillian Filiault Richard.

Mike attended St. Theresa’s grade school and Mexico High School, Class of 1976. He studied horticulture and carpentry and received his associate’s degrees from the University of Maine at Orono and Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute.

He was a member of Iron Workers Local Union #496 for the past 28 years. As an ironworker, Mike worked all over the country from the Boeing 777 plant in Washington State to bridges and windmills in Maine.

Mike’s love of nature was evident in his passions for gardening, canning, foraging, hiking, camping, hunting and astronomy.

He was a very generous man and friends and family often benefited with quarts of his blueberries or bags of fiddleheads.

He was a treasured son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be sadly missed.

He was predeceased by his father, Ivan Richard; and a nephew.

He is survived by his mother, Lillian Richard of Mexico; his six sisters, Martha Peters of Sanford, Peg Richard of Portland, Barbara MacGregor of Rumford, Norma Richard of Raymond, Susan Richard of Mexico and Terry Richard of Dixfield; an uncle and many cousins and friends.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m., at the Church of the Holy Savior, Rumford, with a reception to follow in the church hall. Arrangements are with Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.

Mike was an avid reader and lover of books and local history. A donation to your public library in his memory would be a fitting tribute to him.