Richard E. Hastings, 70, of Thomaston, died Jan. 26 at the Knox Center for Long Term Care after a lengthy battle with brain cancer.
A lifelong resident of Thomaston, he was born Jan. 12, 1940, a son of Walter O. “Chick” and Dorothy (Cushman) Hastings. He attended Thomaston schools, graduating from Thomaston High School in 1958. With his first wife he had four children, all of whom now live in New Hampshire.
His various places of employment included Clark’s Beverage, Vinal’s Dairy, Bath Iron Works, and for 29 years Bicknell Manufacturing Co. He was a talented wood worker, making many lawn signs, weather vanes, and over the course of 50 years a miniature carnival, and a circus inspired by the movie, “The Greatest Show in Earth.” His fun-loving nature and quick wit endeared him to all whose lives he touched. For several years he was assistant Scout Master for Troup 214 in Thomaston.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Bernard in 2001, and his beloved cat, Honey.
He is survived by his second wife of 37 years, Marilyn (Siegel) Hastings; children, Daniel I. Hastings, of Wilton, N.H., Debra L. Hastings and companion William “Boh” Brown, Deidre E. Hastings and husband James Come, all of Charlestown, N.H., and Daryl M. Hastings and wife Sarah of East Ackworth, N.H.; step-children, Donald R. Dickinson, Kathleen A. Philbrook and husband Donald, all of St. George, Marc S. Dickinson of Warren, Karen E. Willis and husband Paul, all of Thomaston, and Cynthia M. Dickinson, of N.H.; 17 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Lois H. Jack and husband Blaine of Sanford; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
At the request of the family, there will be no visiting hours. Celebration of life service 2 p.m., Sat., Feb. 6 at Hall & Bibber Funeral Home, 78 Main St., Thomaston. Private committal service will be held at the Village Cemetery in Thomaston in the spring.
In memory of Richard, donations may be made to Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice Program, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841; Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841; or to a charity of one’s choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family through hallbibber@myfairpoint.net.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall & Bibber Funeral Home, Thomaston.
