RICHARD H. HARDING
RIPLEY, Richard H. Harding, 62, died May 25, 2005, at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, following a long battle with diabetes and heart disease. He was born November 4, 1942, in Everett, Massachusetts, the son of Arthur and Freda (DeChamp) Harding. After graduating from High School, Richard joined the service in 1960, and served until his retirement in 1977. He also worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for several years. After retiring he and his family moved to Maine, where he enjoyed gardening, his dairy goats, and helping with the family dog kennels.

He is survived by wife of 33 years, Edith (Barber) Harding of Ripley; 3 sons, Michael Harding of Lebanon, Christopher Harding and his wife, Tammy of Lebanon, Raymond Harding of St. Joseph, Missouri; a daughter, April Snapp and her husband, Jeff of Athens; 1 grandson, 2 step-granddaughters; a brother, Arthur Harding, 2 sisters, Vicki Boutsianis, and Kathy Bartlett and her husband, Jim all of Rochester, New Hampshire; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held, 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 1, 2005 at the Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, 61 Main Street in Dexter, with Pastor Thomas Izon officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Assn., 343 Gorham Road, South Portland, Maine 04106