Richard McLeod, 77, of Franconia, NH, passed away peacefully at home on February 29, 2024, surrounded by his family after a short but aggressive illness. Rich loved the outdoors and New Hampshire all his life. Richard was born in Concord, NH, in 1946 to Dr. J. Kenneth and Anne (Power) McLeod.

He grew up in Penacook and graduated from Bishop Brady High School and New England College. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1970, following his two brothers into the armed services. He served as a Supply Sergeant in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. He returned to New Hampshire, where he began a career protecting and improving the State Parks of New Hampshire. He spent winters as a member of the ski patrol at Cannon Mountain, and spent summers atop Mount Washington as assistant manager, mountain guide, and on a search and rescue team.

Later, Rich spent many years on the Seacoast as the first Regional Supervisor for NH State Parks where he assisted in the development of the Seacoast Science Center, then served as the Director of NH State Parks in Concord until his retirement in 2005. After retirement, Rich worked as the Governor's North Country liaison, studied addiction counseling at NHTI, served as a CASA guardian ad litem, and as a selectman in Franconia from 2006-2012.

Rich enjoyed hiking in state and national parks, and took pleasure in navigating off trail when presented with the opportunity. Until recently, he chopped his own wood and took great pleasure from being able to do his own plumbing and carpentry. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, his dogs, and the birds and animals that visited his home in Franconia.

Rich was predeceased by his parents and his brothers J. Kenneth McLeod and Thomas McLeod. He is survived by his loving wife Martha Stroup McLeod; his daughters Kristyn (husband Colin) Van Ostern of Concord, NH; and Carolyn McLeod of Naples, FL; grandchildren Peter & Patrick Van Ostern; and Teagan & Finn Davis; his sister Mary Cavicchi and husband Edmund (Buddy) of Whitefield, NH; nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life for Rich will be held on Sunday, March 10 at 1:00 pm at Chef Joe's in Franconia, NH. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to CASA-NH at https://casanh.org/.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire. To view Richard's online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, please visit https://www.csnh.com. Richard McLeod

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by InDepthNH.org from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard McLeod

Sponsored by Cremation Society of New Hampshire - Littleton.

17 Entries

Carol Miller

February 27, 2025

Hard to believe almost a year since Richard's passing. Remembering Richard and the family and friends who are missing him.

Lane Lacoy

December 23, 2024

I just learned from Dick's wife, Martha, that he passed last February. Dick and I hung out during high school (he at Bishop Brady, me at CHS) and during college. He was a nice guy and fun to be around.

October 16, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Carol Miller

April 7, 2024

I was surprised to hear of Rich passing. I've known Rich since his time on the Summit of Mt Washington. I've know Martha since her time at NCHIN. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

Darrel Dietlein

March 10, 2024

I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of Rich´s passing. My wife Karen and my thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. Rich lived his life to the fullest and he will be sorely missed. Please reach out to me Martha if there´s anything you or your family needs. We´re right around the corner.
Darrel Dietlein

Mary Jane Holmes Leathers

March 8, 2024

My sympathy to all. I grew up with the McLeod family. I have many fond memories. Prayers and blessings for Richard.
Mary Jane Holmes Leathers
Newberg Oregon

Patricia Holmes Gaudette

March 8, 2024

My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to his Family and Friends. So sorry to hear of Richard's passing.
Even though I am the youngest of Tubby and Mary Holmes, I do remember him as he was a friend to my siblings and to my Dad and Mom.
He accomplished much in his lifetime. He was amazing!
My parents were dear friends of Doc and his wife.

Rest peacefully Richard.

STEPHEN TYRRELL

March 8, 2024

SADDENED BY YOUR PASSING RICHARD. ON BISHOP BRADY'S FOOTBALL TEAM WE CALLED YOU "CLOUD". AS A LINEMAN YOU OPENED MANY HOLES FOR ME AS A RUNNING BACK. A VIETNAM VETERAN, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A CUT ABOVE! CLOUD WAS ALWAYS A FRIEND TO ME AND ANOTHER CLASSMATE THAT GOT ME THROUGH MY HORRIBLE CHILDHOOD! MY HEART IS BROKEN NOW THAT YOU ARE GONE. HOWEVER, YOUR FAMILY CAN BE ENCOURAGED THAT CLOUD MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE OVER 60 YEARS AGO!

Jane Slayton

March 7, 2024

I´m so sorry.
Rich was my first boss and my best ever boss! I loved working for Seacoast state parks. Rich was the best!
Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Mike Holmes

March 7, 2024

Martha, Mary, I am so sorry to see that Rich has passed. Rich was a fellow Penacook Boy and were thought we were invincible.
Richard was a good friend and neighbor, there were many adventures and a few misadventures shared among us but we always survived.
He is in our prayers as are your whole family, stay strong and remember all the good times.
Mike and Beth Holmes
Kennebunk, ME

Mary McGahan

March 7, 2024

So sorry Martha for your loss of Richard. High school friend and short time neighbor. Condo 6. May he RIP.

Jon Swan

March 7, 2024

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McLeod family. Jon and Tamela Swan

Judy Hardiman

March 6, 2024

So very sad to read of Dick´s passing. Lots of fond memories from high school days. May he rest in peace.

Jane Mammone Darrell

March 6, 2024

I am so very sorry to hear of Rich's passing. I was his assistant back in the early 90's at the Concord State Parks and Recreation office. We laughed and we bickered and it was great fun! It was obvious how much he loved his family and his times spent in Franconia. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Jane Mammone Darrell

Douglass Teschner

March 6, 2024

Sorry to hear about this loss. I remember well working with him when I was in the state legislature and his love for Cannon Mt. In recent years, I occasionally saw him and said hello when I drove by his house on my mountain forays. Best best wishes to the family .

Robin, Andy, Dudley & Jeffrey Hoyt

March 5, 2024

Mary, Martha, Kristyn, and Carolyn. We are so very sorry to hear of Richard's passing. So many memories from Winter St, Penacook. Your family has another guardian angel looking over you. You are in our thoughts.

Robert D Machain

March 5, 2024

Mr. McLeod, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results