Richard J. Atkins, 55, of Windsor and formerly of Gardiner, was called to the Lord peacefully Nov. 29 at his home, surrounded by family members, after fighting a very courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on Sept. 2, 1953, in Gardiner, and was one of six children born to Ernest D. Atkins Sr. and Madeline T. (Whalen) Atkins of Gardiner.
He grew up in Gardiner and lived in Windsor. He attended Gardiner schools and graduated from Gardiner Area High School in the class of 1971.
He was married to Elizabeth Taylor of Windsor, the daughter of Delmar and Dorothy (Foster) Taylor.
He worked for the State of Maine as a surveyor for many years as well as the Hallowell Shoe Company. His most recent employment was with Renys Distribution Center Warehouse in Newcastle. He enjoyed his dogs (especially the one called “Ernie”) and his cat Sweet Pea. Even though his health declined in recent months, he always remained in high spirits, and possessed a positive attitude, and had a wonderful outlook on life.
Richard was known as “Dad” and “Papa” to his immediate friends and family. He was an avid hunter, bowler, card player and golfer. He loved the Patriots and Red Sox. He looked forward to hunting season every year where he could spend lots of special times with his wife, Liz, grandson “Spanky” and others. Rick was one of those that you couldn’t just walk away from – he was mesmerizing and funny. He could tell you a joke or a story, one right after another and never repeat the same one twice. He looked forward to playing card games with family members (especially beating his sister) and he won the family championship trophy. One accomplishment that he was very proud of was making “a hole-in-one” with his wife and friends at The Meadows Cobbossee Colony Golf Course.
He was a Vietnam veteran. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years 11 months. He later joined the Maine Army National Guard and served in HQ 133rd Engr Bn, Co C 133rd Engr Bn, Headquarters 240th Engineer Group in Waterville, 152nd Maintenance Company in Augusta and Headquarters & Headquarters Detachment in Augusta. He retired as a Sergeant First Class in 2001 after serving over 25 total years.
Richard was a life member of the North American Hunting Club, Sportsman Alliance of Maine, West Gardiner Rod & Gun Club, former member of the bowling leagues, Pioneer League at 1-7-10 in Augusta, a former champion bowler from the men’s double leagues at 1-7-10 and a former vice president of the Augusta Merchant’s Bowling League at 1-7-10.
He was predeceased by his parents; brothers David and Terrence; and sister Nancy.
Richard is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Liz” Atkins of Windsor; daughters, Ann Thibodeau and companion Glenn Carter of Gardiner and Sarah Atkins of Augusta; brother Ernest D. Atkins Jr. and wife Janet of West Gardiner; sister Marie J. Atkins of Randolph; grandsons, Sebastion “Spanky” Atkins and Ian “Boogie” Gifford of Augusta; granddaughters, Kayla and Brianna Thibodeau of Gardiner; several other stepchildren, grandchildren, great aunt, great uncle, nieces, nephews and many cousins.
Relatives and friends may visit 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tues., Dec. 2 at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Christian service at the funeral parlor 11 a.m., Wed., Dec. 3. Burial and committal prayers will follow the service with military honors in the Rest Haven Cemetery in Windsor.
Pall bearers will be Sebastion “Spanky” Atkins (grandson), Richard Fortin and Jason Atkins (nephews), Glenn Carter and Donald Murrin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society in his name at New England Division, Inc. One Main St., Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.
Condolences to the family may be expressed via the funeral home web site at www.staples@gwi.net.
