Richard Taylor Alden

Richard Taylor Alden, 36, of Avon, died Sunday (May 5, 2002) at his home of ALS, (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Born in Claremont, NH, December 1, 1965, son of Patricia (White) Alden of Woodstock, VT and the late John T. Alden, he was raised in Woodstock and lived in Avon the past eight years. He graduated from Woodstock Union High School in 1984 and received his BS from the University of Vermont in 1988. He was an actuarial analyst employed by The Hartford for three years and most recently by Tillinghast-Towers Perrin of Simsbury, whose staff and company have been most supportive of Rick and his family during his illness. Rick was a distance runner who competed in many Connecticut area road races and was an avid sports fan, especially for all the Boston teams. Besides his mother, Patricia of Woodstock, VT, he leaves his maternal grandmother, Constance White of Windsor, VT; his brother, John J. Alden of Avon; and his sister, Elisabeth A. Alden of Upper Moencopi Village, Hope Reservation, AZ. An ALS patient services coordinator once wrote of Rick," I am writing to let you know how much I admire the courage and strength you have displayed throughout your battle with this dreadful disease. From the moment I met you last year at the SCSU Roadrace, I knew you would fight this monster with every breath you had. You have been an inspiration to the many people whose lives you have touched." A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, Route 106, Woodstock, VT. Contributions may be may be made to either Hospice of Central Connecticut, 40 East Street, Plainville, CT 06062 or ALS Association of Connecticut, c/o Westport Gallery, 125 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. The Carmon Windsor Funeral Home is caring for the arrangements with the Cabot Funeral Home of Woodstock, VT.