RICHARD G. RAND

AUGUSTA -- Richard G. "Dick" Rand, 82, of Augusta, died April 24, 2013, following a short illness. He was born in Augusta on April 25, 1930, to Alvas F. and Carolyn (McLeod) Rand. After graduating from Cony High School in 1948, he enlisted in the Navy and served four years on the USS Haynsworth DD-700 stationed in New Orleans, La., and the USS Yellowstone stationed in Newport, R.I. While in the Navy, he traveled several times to various ports in Europe. Before his discharge in 1952, he married Elizabeth Ann (Rourke) Rand of Augusta. They spent many happy years in Augusta raising their family and enjoying lasting friendships with family and friends.

Dick started his working career for Motor Supply Corp. in Augusta and, shortly afterward, started his long career with New England Telephone and Telegraph Co. as a sales representative in Augusta and Presque Isle. In 1962, he was transferred to the Waterville and Augusta area and in 1969 was promoted to Ellsworth, where he became business office manager. In 1972, he was promoted again, this time to Augusta, where he became a sales manager for the Waterville, Augusta and Portland areas, and then administrative manager for the Augusta, Bangor and Portland areas. He retired from this position in 1985.

In his younger years, Dick enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball. He excelled in baseball as a catcher and was a member in 1947 of the New England All Stars that played at the old Braves Stadium in Boston. One of the highlights of his selection was the opportunity to participate as a catcher in a home run contest with prominent major league players such as Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr.

During his military service, he was selected for the Navy baseball team and after his discharge, he played one year for the Augusta Millionaires, a semi-pro team, as well as the Augusta Merchants. He ended his ball-playing days by playing fast-pitch softball in Augusta and Presque Isle. Throughout his playing career, Dick was known as a top defensive catcher and hard-hitting left-handed batter, drawing interest from several major league teams before he opted for family life and a work career. He played golf for many years with family and friends, scoring two career holes-in-one. He was a member of the Augusta Country Club for many years and was also a member of the Maine Senior Golf Association.

Dick was active in community affairs, serving as campaign chairman of the Kennebec Valley United Way campaign in 1969. He was a past member of several clubs and organizations, including the Jaycees, American Legion, Elks Club, the Moose Club in Winter Haven, Fla., and the Rotary in Ellsworth. He was president of the Kennebec Council Telephone Pioneers of America and president of the Keller Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Dick enjoyed spending time with family, including drives to the coast with son, Jim; watching his granddaughter, Morgan, perform on stage with a young people's theater group in Portland and his grandson, Kyle, play many sports. He also enjoyed working with stained glass, cooking and watching his favorite teams, the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, on TV. He was a season ticket holder for the University of Maine football team. In recent years, he attended many professional games at minor and major league levels and attended the 2013 Capital One Bowl in Orlando on New Year's Day.

Dick was predeceased by his first wife, Betty; his brother, Alvas F. Rand Jr., of Portland; his brother, Dr. Thomas M. Rand, of Falmouth; and his parents, Alvas F. and Carolyn M. Rand, of Augusta. He was also predeceased by his son, R. Stephen "Steve" Rand, who died Feb. 6, 2013, in Ukiah, Calif.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia, of Winter Haven, Fla.; daughter-in-law Ulla Rand, and grandson, Christopher, both of Ukiah, Calif.; son James Rand and granddaughter, Kelly Marie, both of Augusta; son Peter Rand and wife Sophie, granddaughter Morgan and grandson Kyle, all of South Portland; stepdaughter Heather Fortier and husband Raymond, granddaughter Amanda and grandson Ray, all of Tolland, Conn.; sister-in-law Patricia Rand, of Falmouth; brother David Rand and wife Julie, of Jefferson; brother-in-law Buddy Howe, of Hallowell; brother-in-law Dick Auclair, of Naples; brother-in-law David Auclair and wife Gale, of Augusta; and many nieces and nephews. Dick also leaves behind his lifelong friend, Bill Judkins, and wife Theresa, of Portland.

At his request, there will be no viewing or funeral service.

A graveside service will be held in the summer at Mount Hope Cemetery in Augusta.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1 Church St., Augusta, where condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.