Roger Richards

Roger Henry Richards, 83, died on May 16, 2026. He was born on June 14, 1942, to parents David S. and Hildred (Shores) Richards. Roger was the first of their children to be born on the family farm in Benton. He grew up on that farm, attended elementary school in Benton and graduated from Lawrence High School in Fairfield in 1960. Roger earned five Varsity Letters in baseball and basketball. He enrolled at the University of Maine, graduated with a B.S. degree in 1965 and an M.Ed. in 1967. While attending UMaine he earned varsity letters in basketball and baseball and played on the first Maine team to earn a trip to the College World Series in 1964. Following graduation, Roger coached a variety of sports and taught Health and Physical Education in public schools in Milo, ME and Randolph, MA and on the collegiate level at Castleton University in Vermont and Rhode Island College. He was selected as a teaching fellow at Boston University and earned a Doctor of Education degree in 1981. Roger's dissertation was entitled, "the effects of varying levels of physical activity on the central nervous system (critical flicker fusion) and manual dexterity (pursuit motor performance.)"

Although Roger loved academia, in his retirement he returned to his farm roots. He and Jackie, his domestic partner of 30 plus years, bought land in Clinton, Maine, and together built "The Farm." Roger was his happiest when he was on a tractor, splitting wood or in his beloved garden. He was very proud of his Native American heritage and often spoke of his great grandmother, Abigail, who was a member of the Micmac tribe. She shared her passion and talent for gardening with her grandson, Roger's father, who then passed it down to him. Roger's strong connection to nature was indicative of his heritage and is evident in the abundance of beautiful photographs he's taken over the years.

Roger is survived by his son, R. Keith who resides in Sarasota, FL.; his daughter, Heather and her fiancé, Bob; grandsons, Abe and wife, Jen, their son, Joey, Nick and girlfriend, Melissa, and Sam, all who reside in southern Maine; and Jacqueline Norton of Bangor, ME, her four sons and their families. Roger is also survived by his five sisters, Affie Mitchell of Franklin, NC., Grace Additon of Mathews, NC., Lorraine Goodwin of Fairfield, ME., Sherry Randall of Augusta, ME., and Linda McMullin of Penobscot, ME.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

People who knew Roger often say, "he was a good man." He was a good father, partner, educator, brother, neighbor and friend. Roger was very loved and will be missed by all.

In lieu of gifts, Roger has asked that you make a donation to a charity of your choice.

A graveside service will be held at 10am, Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Brewer. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshment at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, following the service.