Gary Paul Richards

CLINTON – Gary Paul Richards, a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, a friend to all, was welcomed to his home in heaven May 15, 2025, at Maine Medical Center – Portland. With family by his side.

Born July 11, 1945, in Waterville, to David and Hildred (Shores) Richards in Benton.

Gary grew up in Benton, on his parents’ dairy farm. He graduated from Lawrence High, Fairfield, Maine. Then went on to attend The University of Maine at Orono and graduated with an associate degree in Dairy Science.

Gary was married to Barbara Pottle on Dec. 7, 1971, Over the years he was a truck driver for Homes Swift, milked cows for his brother Mert at Riverside Farm and was a bus driver for MCI and MSAD 49.

In 1981 Gary and Barbara purchased the farmhouse in Clinton and started his dairy farm, Alderwood Farm. Gary was a dedicated farmer at heart. He was the happiest milking cows or on a tractor.

Gary was predeceased by his parents and his brother’s Mertin, Winthrop, and Lawson.

He is survived by: his brother Roger and his sister’s Affie Mitchell, Grace Additon, Lorraine Goodwin , Sherry Randall, and Linda McMullin. 

Gary is also survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara Louise (Pottle) Richards; along with three children; his son, Greg Richards and Partner Jennifer Butler, daughters Beth Brown and Husband Travis, Kelly McKenzie and Husband William. As well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gary will be remembered for his smile and his joke telling, and showing cattle in 4H. His high school basketball days and time served on the MSAD 49 school board, as well as being one of the Clinton Town Selectman. Along with many trips to Canada to look at cattle. Gary loved spending time with family, working on the farm, watching basketball and wildlife shows and would never say no to having a milkshake and burger. 

Gary will be sadly missed by many and forever in our hearts. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife, his children, his grandchildren, Garrett, Victoria, Cassandra Richards, and Caroline, Laurel, Cal Brown, and Dugan, Brody, Jeremiah McKenzie and his three great-grandchildren.

Please join us for a graveside service on May, 24, 2025 at 10 a.m., at Albion Cemetery #04, 279 Unity Rd, Albion; Following a celebration of Gary’s wonderful life, located at: United Methodist Church, 36 Church Street, Clinton.

Please bring only your fondest memories of Gary.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux, Redington and Lawry Brothers Funeral Home 8 Elm St., Waterville, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at https://www.vrlfuneralhome.com/.