Richard C. Colby

LACONIA - Richard Claflin Colby died peacefully on Oct. 16, 2012.

Richard was born where the air was always sweeter for him, in Chelsea, Vt., on Feb. 22, 1919. He was the son of Esther Hastings and Guy Colby. He had two older brothers, Russell and Dawson.

He spent most of his youth in Post Mills, Vt., with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Colby. He went to school in Post Mills, and his first year of high school was spent at Thetford Academy. He then attended high school in Concord, and while there he played football, basketball and baseball. He and his brother Dawson were known as quite a force. Dawson pitched and Richard played third base. After graduating in 1937, he went to Windsor High for some postgraduate work. He then received a sports scholarship to Danville Military Institute in Virginia. On his return to Vermont, he worked for Conematic Machine Shop and played AAA ball for them. He went to Kansas for the National Championship, where they lost, but it was a terrific experience. He was then called to duty for the Army in 1942. He was a sergeant in Battery B of the 132nd Anti-Aircraft unit. He was in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

On his return home in May 1946, he married Priscilla Brown. Together they began their life enjoying family and the farm. They soon moved to Laconia, where Priscilla taught school and Richard worked for the New England Telephone Company.

Though Richard's early life was difficult, he strived to be a good husband, father and community member. They had four children: Chris, Cathy, Jeff and Rick. Richard enjoyed skiing, swimming, waterskiing and his beloved collies. He started helping out with the Little League. This began a wonderful 50-year relationship. He was a coach, manager, treasurer, vice president, president, and president of District Two. He was always excited when the Little League World Series took place each summer. You could always find him cooking hot dogs in the cook shack, raking the field, thinking of a new project or playing ball with the kids and his dog. In 1982 he was humbled when the field was named for him. He was always proud and grateful for the wonderful community support that was given to the Laconia Little League.

Richard was also a member of the Masons for over 60 years, and during that time he also became a Shriner. On his retirement, he became an active member of the Telephone Pioneers. He was involved with the Boy Scouts. He was a member of the Laconia Parks and Recreation Committee for 15 years. In 1963, he was given the Physical Fitness Leadership Award by the Junior Chamber of Commerce. In 1995 he was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club for his community service. He was president of the Opechee Park Club and helped organize and provide playground equipment as well as maintain those buildings.

He and his family were longtime members of the Laconia Congregational Church. In 1973, they were given the Family of the Year Award for their service. Richard is a lifetime deacon there. Richard led a full and busy life. But he truly felt that he received much more than he gave.

We thank the many kind, wonderful family members and friends who would not forget him and visited him often these past years.

He was predeceased by Priscilla, his wife of 50 years; his two sons, Christopher and Richard; and his grandson Shaun Lines. He leaves behind two children, Catherine Lines with her husband Paul, and son Jeffrey and his wife Kathleen. He enjoyed every moment spent with his four grandchildren, Christopher and Derek Lines, and Carolyn and Timothy Colby. He leaves many nieces and nephews who always enjoyed his stories and his sense of humor.

We will miss our Dad. He gave us many memories and supported our every dream. He taught us the value of being involved in our community and striving to do what is right.

We felt blessed for the staff of Forestview Manor. The love, care, dignity and respect they gave Dad each day was so appreciated. They truly became an extended family and support for us.

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services:Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m. at Laconia Congregational Church, 69 Pleasant St., Laconia. The Rev. Dr. Warren Bouton, pastor, will officiate.

He will be buried with his companion Toby, at Union Cemetery, Laconia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Colby Family Scholarship Fund, c/o Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 7312, Gilford, 03247-7312

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.