CARIBOU – Sterling R. Richards, 76, beloved husband of Dolores (Belanger) Richards, died unexpectedly May 29, 2009, surrounded by his loving family, in Caribou. He was born March 16, 1933, in Caribou, the son of Oscar Ray and Mattie (Davenport) Richards. Sterling was a graduate of Caribou High School and served in the U.S. Air Force. He was an active member of Caribou Lions Club. Sterling married Dolores Belanger, July 19, 1952. His love in life was farming and his family. He also enjoyed grilling rare steaks, cooking lobster, making bean-hole beans and working in his garden. Sterling and Dolores’ love of county music led them to build Spruce Haven in 1983. For 15 years it served as a gathering place for family functions and charitable events. Their annual outdoor music festival drew people from all over Aroostook County and beyond. Surviving in addition to his wife, are four sons, Craig and lifelong companion, Lynne Del Muffler, of Caribou, Sterling Kim and his wife, Sue, of Caribou, Curtis and his wife, Michelle, of Caribou and Randy and his wife, Sue, of Presque Isle; two daughters, Laurie and her husband, Jim Cavagnaro, of Caribou and Pam and her husband, Toby Tyler, of Oakland; two brothers, Ray Richards and his wife, Marjorie, of Delaware and Gary Richards and his wife, Mary Etta, of Presque Isle; three sisters, Val Constantine and her husband, Walter, of Bangor, Roberta Shaw of North Carolina and Beverly Stadler and her husband, David, of Reno, Nev.; 13 grandchildren, Taunja Jandreau, Jenny Curtis, Keith Richards, Ashley and Ciara Richards, Ryan, Renee and Chad Cavagnaro, Travis and Chelsea Tyler, Evan, Kayla and Cole Richards; and seven great-grandchildren, Lacey and Dawson Jandreau, Bailey and Bryce Curtis, Carsen Richards, Riley and Reece Cavagnaro. Sterling will be sadly missed by his friends, including his coffee buddies at McDonald’s. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Curtis and Hubert. Friends and family are welcome to attend graveside services 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, at Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou. A reception will be after at Knights of Columbus Hall, Washburn Road, Caribou. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to contribute in memory of Sterling may do so through Jefferson Cary Foundation, 163 Van Buren Road, Caribou, ME 04736 or FFA Farmstand Program, Caribou Regional Technical Center, 308 Sweden St., Caribou, ME 04736, attention: Ralph Conroy. Arrangements are by Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou. For an online register, please go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
STERLING R. RICHARDS
