FAIRFIELD – Lawson James Richards, 61, passed away Friday, June 6, 2008, with his children and Jane by his side, at his home, after a two-year battle with brain cancer. He was born May 19, 1947, in Benton, on the family farm. “Teenie” was the eighth of 10 children and the youngest boy born to David S. and Hildred (Shores) Richards. Lawson was an outstanding basketball player for Lawrence High School and Unity College, where he earned his teaching degree. After teaching for seven years, he started his own construction company. In 1987 he found his true passion and opened R&R Auto Sales at his home on Route 201. He always looked forward to attending auto auctions every week with his buddies. He stepped down from the business due to his failing health, passing the family business on to his son. Lawson now attends the big car auction in the sky, with a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Lawson loved having his family and friends up to the “farm” for weekly cookouts and bonfires, entertaining all of us with his sarcastic sense of humor and quick wit, which was still intact until his passing. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan; he enjoyed watching the games with his dogs, Shelby and Sammy, by his side. He was a very proud and loving Papa to his granddaughters, Dana and Kallie Sue “Piglet.” Dad loved kids period, being a big one himself. Lawson was predeceased by his parents; and his twin grandchildren, Gracie May and Noah Lawson Richards, who were stillborn May of this year. He is survived by his loving daughter, Kathy Lynn “Kate” of Fairfield; his son and best friend, whom he shares his birthday with, Allan Richards and his fiance, Melissa Milburn, and their children, Dana Milburn and Kallie Sue Rich-ards, all of Fairfield; his stepson, Seth Poulin and his wife, Jessie, and their son, Jacob of Kansas; his “sons,” Brett Smith, Nick Fortin and Christopher Brillard and his wife, Crystal; his four brothers, Merton Richards and his wife, Virginia, of Benton, Winthrop Richards and his wife, Pauline, of Vassalboro, Roger Richards and his companion, Jackie, of Bangor and Gary Richards and his wife, Barbara, of Clinton; his five sisters, Affie Mitchell and her husband, Alton, of North Carolina, Grace Additon and her husband, Donald, of Augusta, Lorraine Goodwin of Shawmut, Sherry Randall and her husband, Dale, of Benton and Linda McMullin and her husband, Raymond, of Belgrade; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, including his special nephews, Brian Richards and Merton Richards Jr. and his wife, Meca, of Benton. Also surviving him is the mother of his children, Susan Richards; and Lawson’s companion, Jane Noel, of Fair-field, who both helped with his care. We would like to thank our friends and family for the home cooked meals, daily visits, and the love and support you have given to Dad and our family during this time. To everyone on 3 North, Thayer Unit, thanks for your patience and wonderful care of Dad during his stays. We would also like to thank our in-home caregivers who were our angels, including Tracy, Janet, Cheryl, Shawna, Vera, Ron and Lynn; and the staff of Healthreach/Hospice. We send a heartfelt thanks as well to the family of Cathy Bhatnagar, as God definitely needed another angel in heaven. Visiting hours will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 13, at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where a funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14. Burial will be after at Brown Cemetery, East Benton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lawson’s memory may be made to Harold Alfond Patient Endowment, Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903, in order to help families with travel expenses while undergoing treatment. Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com.
LAWSON JAMES RICHARDS
