KENNEBUNK BEACH – Richard “Dick” F. Eaton passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at his home. Born Aug. 26, 1926, in St. Paul, Minn., he was the son of the late Arthur G. and Esther (Swann) Eaton. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from University of Maine and attended Northeastern University and New York University to obtain his master’s degree. He was a veteran of World War II. In 1951, Dick married Elizabeth (Richardson) Eaton. In their early years in Boston, Richard and Elizabeth raised their three children in Concord, Mass., and Kennebunk Beach. Dick had a long and successful career as a structural engineer serving 32 years at Raytheon Corp. Dick participated in local civic organizations, such as Concord Minutemen up to and during the Bicentennial. He was moderator and on the deaconate, as well as a member of Trinitarian Congregational Church, Concord, Mass. Including his role as president from 1978 to 1980, Dick spent several years actively on the board of directors of Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association, KBIA. Upon retiring to Kennebunk Beach in 1992, he actively served on the board of directors for Senior Center in Lower Village and was actively involved in the development of the program. Dick delivered for Meals on Wheels for many years. Dick was also quite engaged in numerous roles at South Congregational Church, Kennebunkport. Dick was predeceased by his loving wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Eaton; his parents; brother, Arthur G Eaton Jr.; and sister, Doris C. Eaton, all of Bangor. He is survived by his three children, Jonathan G. Eaton and partner, Eric K. Carlson, of San Diego, Rebecca Eaton Valentine and son-in-law, Mark Valentine, of Natick, Mass., and Jeffrey A. Eaton of Kennebunk; as well as two grandchildren, Joshua S. Valentine and Amy T. Valentine of Natick, Mass. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Eileen (Beansie) Eaton of Orono and Donna Thorburn of Lamoine; as well as many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and a great many friends. He valued family above everything and his family will miss him dearly. Dick will be remembered for his outgoing personality, sense of humor, generous spirit and compassion as a father, grandfather, uncle and friend. A celebration of life memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Jan. 29 at South Congregational Church, Kennebunkport, with the Rev. Charles Whiston, presiding. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dick’s name be made to Senior Center at Lower Village, 175 Port Road, Kennebunk, ME 04043 or South Congregational Church memorial fund, P.O. Box 414, Kennebunkport, ME 04046. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com
RICHARD ‘DICK’ F. EATON
