Richard E."Dick" Brown

Richard E. "Dick" Brown, 70, of 70 Hardwick Road, Petersham, MA and also of 110 King Arthur Drive, Nokomis, FL, died peacefully in his sleep Friday, February 8th in Nokomis, Florida. His death was unexpected, but he left as he lived- quietly and proudly.

Born in East Templeton, MA on April 15, 1937, he was the son of Donald and Madalyn (Smith) Brown, and husband of Phyllis (Coderre) Brown.

Richard was the Director of Sales for Niagara Cutter Company for 15 years, retiring in 2002. He was previously employed by Union Butterfield Co. in Athol, where he completed a four year apprenticeship program. He worked for Union Butterfield for 34 years, eventually being promoted to Sales Manager in both Michigan and Massachusetts.

Richard graduated from Templeton High School, Templeton, Class of 1955.

He served his country as a member of the Massachusetts National Guard from 1959 thru 1964.

Richard was a member of the Gardner Hope Lodge of Masons, the Gardner Elks, Lodge #1426 and the South Gardner Golf Association.

He enjoyed many hobbies including stamp collecting, reading, golfing and being a master craftsman, which earned him the nickname "Mr. Fix-It". His love of family and history aided him in tracing his genealogy, passing on stories and knowledge to his family. He was an avid New England sports fan - enjoying the Boston Celtics with his son Steve, the Boston Red Sox with his daughter Suzanne, and the New England Patriots with his daughter Sharon.

Richard and his wife, Phyllis met in Templeton High School doing what they loved most, dancing to big band music. They shared this passion throughout their marriage. They also loved to travel, and their trips included- Bermuda, Hawaii, Mexico, Nova Scotia, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, the West Coast to visit family and also hot air ballooning in Napa Valley. They also visited many sites throughout the United States in their motor home. For the past several years, they spent summers on the New Hampshire seacoast and winters in Florida.

Richard had great love for life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He leaves his wife of 49 years, Phyllis J. (Coderre) Brown of Petersham and Nokomis, FL, with whom he would have shared 50 years of marriage on August 2, 2008; his mother Madalyn (Smith) Brown of Otter River, MA; he also leaves what he often referred to as his " proudest accomplishments", his children; one son, Steve R. Brown and his wife Nellie of Long Beach, CA; two daughters, Sharon L. Carrier and her husband Doug of Petersham, and Suzanne D. Brown of Seattle, WA; one brother, Clayton "Skip" Brown and his wife Judy of Baldwinville; one sister, Donna Sans and her husband Robert of Baldwinville; four aunts, Doris Hill of Gardner, Bea Piragis of Otter River, Harriet Zukowski of E. Templeton and Bonnie Sylvester of Cape Cod, MA; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one brother, Gordon "Bruby" Brown.

Richard's happiest moments were those shared with family and friends. His family would like to honor that very special part of him by extending an invitation to celebrate his life. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 15th at 1:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner. Reverend Dr. Gary Heikkila will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Calling hours in the funeral home will be Thursday, February 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115 (www.dana-farber.org) or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01707 (www.cancer.org).

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