Dr. Richard R. Dole

FAIRFIELD – Dr. Richard R. Dole, 90, passed away on Feb. 12, 2022, with family lovingly by his side after a difficult journey with dementia.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Maureen Dole; his four children, Lisa Skinner of West Palm Beach, Fla., Sharon Hamilton of San Anselmo, Calif., David Dole of Winslow, and Jonathan Dole, of Petaluma, Calif., and two “bonus” children, Jennifer Daigle of Portland, and Jessica Daigle of Sea Cliff, N.Y.; as well as 12 grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Winifred Dole; and his brother, Roland Dole.

Richard was born in Niobe, N.Y. As the son of a farmer, he developed a deep reverence for the soil, crops, and the wonder of all living things. He was also a teacher’s son and had a passion for academics. As valedictorian of his high school class, he attended Houghton College and medical school at the State University of New York in Syracuse. He served as a Captain and flight surgeon in the United States Air Force. In 1964, he started a private practice in Waterville, becoming Medical Director of the Respiratory Therapy Department at Thayer Hospital. His career culminated in 1996 after serving as a pulmonologist at Togus VA hospital for 10 years. He was loved by his patients and coworkers for his compassionate nature.

Richard was a kind and gentle soul. He was curious about the natural world. He loved birds, the cosmos, and cultivating the earth to grow wildflowers and vegetables. Once the peepers started peeping, he would be outside, tilling and planting, or puttering in the barn until after dark. He was a hardworking man but also knew the value of rest, he particularly enjoyed sunny winter afternoon naps. He was an avid reader, lover of music and home-cooked food, especially pie!

Richard was also a man of deep faith. He was a committed member of the Fairfield United Methodist Church. He found solace in reading the Bible and other religious texts about the Mystery that awaits us all. He wrote an essay about his faith a few years back, “… I hold no fear of facing the fate of all people and anticipate the “crossing over” as life’s greatest adventure.”

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, Feb. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home in Fairfield and a Celebration of Life service will be on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. at Fairfield United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made in his name to

Fairfield United Methodist Church,

37 Skowhegan Rd.,

Fairfield, ME 04937