Richard Rice

WATERFORD — Richard F. Rice, 93, of Waterford, passed away peacefully at his home, with his loving wife at his side, on April 4, 2014.

He was born on Nov. 12, 1920, the son of George H. and Helen Hamlin Rice. He attended school in Waterford, starting at the Plummer Hill School, and graduated from Bridgton Academy in 1939, where he excelled in Track.

He stayed on the family farm, helping his parents and giving exceptional care to his mother in her later years. He worked tirelessly along with his brother, Albert, producing milk, raising vegetables and selling firewood and timber. For many years he worked for Morse Orchards in the fall, picking apples.

Richard married Alta Chaplin on Jan. 26, 1980, and together they continued to carry on the work on the farm, along with their son, Rick.

Richard saw many changes in farming and wood harvesting operations over the years, working with oxen, horses and then tractors. He enjoyed seeing his farm change and the work carry on with modern tractors, equipment and skidders, and always had an anecdote to share about how it used to be done.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, brothers Charles and Albert, and sister Ella. He is survived by his wife, Alta; son Richard F. Rice II and his companion Brandi Cushman; a special niece, Dr. Carol Rice; and a special nephew, George Rice and his wife Patty; three special girls, Sue Merrill and her daughter Casey Cossar, and Amy Herrick-Bigonski; also his sister, Rachel Deans; cousins Ralph Gardner and Nancy Hamlin Hunter; and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held later in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery, North Waterford. Arrangements under the care of Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Oxford, ME 04270. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers donations in his memory to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, ME 04240, will be greatly appreciated.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com