WINSLOW – Richard Curtis Adams, aka “Dick” or “Flicker”, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at MaineGeneral in Augusta.

Richard was known as a kind, generous man who loved and cared for his family deeply, as well as his many friends scattered across the State. He was born Oct. 14, 1931, the oldest of four, to Ann Kathleen “Kay” and Leroy Earl “Roy” Adams in Presque Isle. It is there he attended public schools and graduated from Aroostook State Teachers College.

Shortly thereafter, he began his career in education as a teacher in Presque Isle, during which time he met Janice, his wife of 68 years. Following their wedding in 1955, Richard joined the U.S. Army for two years of service. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to teaching in Presque Isle, eventually becoming principal at Skyway Middle School.

In 1968 he moved his family to Augusta to advance his career and a few years later settled in Weeks Mills. He always remained proud of his roots in “the county”, though. Richard was instrumental in the development of adult education in Maine and also helped to advance education for veterans. He held several positions with the State Department of Education, his last as the Director of Education for Unorganized Territories. Along the way he earned a master’s degree in Adult Education and also taught college level courses. He was passionate about all aspects of public education and was well respected in the field, where he mentored many students, teachers, principals and others, always encouraging them to live up to their potential. He loved to tell his kids “ I taught teachers how to teach.”

Richard also spent many summers painting houses, working for his dad who taught him the skill. He passed on many tips to his children and grandchildren about painting, advising “make sure you choose a good, high-quality paintbrush”!

Richard enjoyed numerous pastimes in his younger days including sports, bird hunting, fishing, and playing cards with friends. In the last few years, he focused on crossword puzzles, Wordle, watching music videos, outings to the casino, family gatherings, and talking on his cell phone (especially to Earl). But, above all, he loved horse racing and formed many life-long friendships with people in the harness racing world. He followed the Maine Fair circuit for years and nearly every day of the Windsor Fair he could be found parked next to the rail on the first corner of the track. He was thrilled to witness American Pharaoh capture the Belmont Stakes in 2015 to become the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years!

Richard spent the last eight years of his life having dialysis treatments three days a week. He truly beat the odds, living well past doctor’s predictions. He was known for his quick-witted, dry sense of humor, which never wavered, even on the worst of days. He loved to gently tease his children/grandchildren and tell tall tales about his own childhood.

He will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched for his intelligence, resilience, positive attitude, work ethic, steadiness, dependability, loyalty, and gratitude he showed to those who impacted his life.

Richard was predeceased by his parents; son, Mitchell Adams; brother, Walter Adams, and sister, Patricia Irving.

He is survived by wife, Janice Adams; his children Michele Prince and husband David, Michael Adams and husband Meynard Patascil, Marsha Adams and partner Bruce Wescott, Mary Kay Tisdale and husband Greg, his daughter-in-law, Karen Adams; his grandchildren Joel Allen, Benjamin Allen and wife Megan, Travis Adams and wife Tori, Curtis Adams and Noah Tisdale; his brother, Earl Adams and wife Sheila, his sister-in-law, Lucy Adams; his great-grandchildren Ava, Josie, Angus, Hazel and Ethel; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to recognize the staff of Dialysis Clinic, Inc., in Fairfield for the years of outstanding care they provided – it was truly Richard’s second family and he cherished his special friendships with them and his fellow patients. A special thanks to all the staff and residents at Goudreau’s for their kindness and camaraderie the past three years. Thanks also to Bill for ensuring his special spot at the track; Kim, son of his best friend Ray, who helped fill the void when Ray passed; and Ginny, who helped his children these past few years ensure that Dad had rides when needed to appointments or to the places that he enjoyed; and to all the many friends who brought him so much joy.

There will be no visiting hours or service. A Celebration of Life will happen from 12-2 p.m., on May 7 at the Winslow VFW, 175 Veterans Dr., in Winslow. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s name to the National Kidney Foundation New England.