Richard A. Vigeant

Richard Vigeant

Richard Vigeant

Richard A. (Dick) Vigeant died peacefully on Tuesday, March 22, 2016.

He was born April 25, 1928, in Topsham (Pejepscot), son of Henry and Jessie (Newton) Vigeant. He grew up in Mechanic Falls, the youngest of four brothers and two sisters.

He was a WWII veteran, serving with honor in the United States Marine Corps.

On Aug. 16, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart and forever love, Carolyn Humphries. They lived happily devoted to each other for 62 years, raising two daughters, Gayle and Pamela, in North Deering and Falmouth. His young family enjoyed summertime together at the camp they built at Coffee Pond, Casco.

Dick was employed as a truck driver by Southworth Machine Co. for 42 years, where he was a hard worker and helpful friend to all. He was a lifelong reader who especially liked Early American historical fiction. He enjoyed day trip hikes in the White Mountains, and in later life he and Carolyn spent many fall foliage weekends there. He designed and built Early American-style pine furniture for family and friends in his basement workshop.

Throughout retirement, Dick made working on the Narrow Gauge Railroad in Portland his #1 pastime. Along with “the guys,” he laid track, restored railcars and worked on train rides. He was proud of the 9,000-plus wooden train whistles he crafted for visiting kids that helped fund the nonprofit.

Dick was a dutiful, caring son, a faithful, loving husband, and a godly and good Dad and Grampa.

He was predeceased by his wife Carolyn in 2013.

He is survived by his daughters, Gayle Clarke and Pamela French; four grandchildren and a great-grandson.

A graveside service will be held in the spring.

Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com for additional information and to view Richard’s online guest book.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: www.smiletrain.org