Richard (Dick) William Willard

Richard (Dick) William Willard

He was the only son of Vernon W. Willard and Eleanor K. Crampton, born June 20, 1935, in New Haven, CT. He was the beloved brother of Dorothy, Helen, Betsy, Marion, Evie, Katherine, and Verna, and the husband of 52 years to Louise Kane Willard (who went home to the Lord in 2009).

Richard and Louise had three sons and two daughters-in-law: Duane (who passed away at age three months), Darryl (Kim), and Dwight (Diana).

He was also a much-loved grandfather to Lacey (Hunter), Ryann, Kaitlyn (Phil), Paige, and Maddie, and a great-grandfather to Kaylee, Natalie, and Delia.

Dick was born and lived on the Connecticut Shoreline but relocated to Spartanburg, SC, after visiting there on vacation. They stayed in Spartanburg for twenty years, serving their church (Westgate Baptist) and community. Later, after Louise's passing, he moved again to Connecticut and ended up living out his last days with his son Dwight and their family in Schroon Lake, NY.

Throughout his life, Dick was very active in the Gideons Iternational, youth sports, scouting and church youth ministry. He always found a way to be helpful and serve others, regardless of his own circumstances. Dick never turned away anyone in need.

Dick was well-loved and known for his acts of service. He was also renowned for his love of sweets, particularly ice cream and pie (he was affectionately dubbed the "Pie Guy" at Pitkin's Restaurant in Schroon Lake). He could sense if the kitchen freezer was opened and ice cream was available from three rooms away and was, of course, generous in sharing treats whenever he had them.

All who knew him knew his favorite color was red. He was often spotted zipping around Schroon on his red scooter, wearing one of his many red shirts, or fondly telling stories about driving his red truck.

An accomplished carpenter, he built everything from sheds to large commercial structures. He built an heirloom cradle for his grandchildren and frequently fixed or made household items for his family and friends. He was quiet and capable, always providing solutions and repairing broken things, evidence of his great faith in God.

Dick was also known for having the patience of a saint, and his calm, easy-going manner reflected his deep abiding trust in his Heavenly Father.

Even in his later years, he maintained his servant's heart, quietly and consistently being the resident potato-peeler and dishwasher emptier in the home shared with his son's family. And if all the potatoes were peeled and the dishes done, he would never fail to ask what else he could do to help.

A memorial service will be held June 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Mountainside Bible Chapel, Rt. 9 in Schroon Lake.