Richard Arthur Goldthwaite

1936 - 2021

Well Known Water Dowser Dies -

Richard Arthur Goldthwaite, 84, of 314 Little Mohawk Rd., died peacefully Friday, Jan. 29, at Charlene Manor Nursing Home in Greenfield.

He was born in Greenfield, Feb. 16, 1936, the son of Roy H. and K. Persis (Graves) Goldthwaite.

He attended the Shelburne Center Grammar School and was a graduate of Arms Academy class of 1954.

While still in high school he went to help his aunt and uncle, Myrtle and Jim Baker on their farm next door to his family's farm. He thought of them as a second set of parents and all his siblings did , caring for them in their later years, inheriting their farm. Here he farmed the land and with great pride and with hard work he built up his Registered Jersey Herd to be top milk producers, reluctantly selling his herd in 1985. For many of those years he enjoyed the help of his niece Kathy, who worked alongside him. He also could be found haying, maple sugaring, or anything else needing to be done on the two adjoining farms, his and brothers Robert and Roy's farm.

For a time, he was custodian at the Shelburne First Congregational Church, a job he took pride in, and for many years, in the Fall, working for Tim Smith at the Apex Apple Orchard, a job he always looked forward to.

Continuing the Goldthwaite Family Heritage, a third-generation water dowser he was well known for finding underwater water sources, specializing in deep well water, all over Western Mass and beyond.

In his younger years, he enjoyed snowmobiling and motorcycling. He look forward to spending Thanksgiving with his family at the home in Ashfield of his sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Art Williams and Christmas with his sister Katie's families.

After retiring he spent many years wintering in Florida, visiting friends and relatives on his trips down and back and meeting up again with old classmates and making many new friends. He gave this up to stay home to provide a home for his brother Roy who was of ill health.

He was a member of the Mass. Farm Bureau, the New England Jersey Cattle Club, the Greenfield Farmer's Exchange and the Shelburne Snowmobile Club.

Always an enjoyment was his many trips with his special friend Ray Hartman to Gould's Sugarhouse for those delicious pancakes and syrup.

He particularly enjoyed the wonderful view from his porch and looking down at his large pond, enjoying the wildlife.

Most of all, his greatest love, giving him comfort was to listen to (Kaycy) Karen Carpenter songs.

Dick was very fortunate and grateful to have his family, especially his sisters Arlene and Beverly, nephew Kenny and nieces Joan and Kemmie, friends, kind neighbors and the Senior Center who provided him with care and rides to his dialysis treatments and many other kindnesses shown to him. Visits from neighbors always cheered him up, brightening his days.

Dick was no stranger in his last couple of years at Charlene Manor, Baystate Medical Centers both in Greenfield and Springfield, Heritage Hall in Agawam and the Dialysis Center in Greenfield, also Dr. Richard Warner's office in Buckland receiving excellent care.

Survivors include his sisters Beverly Williams of Ashfield, Arlene Patenaude (Lyle) of Shelburne, nephews Kenneth Ainsworth (Sue) , Michael Williams (Stephanie), Mark (Heidi), Eric (Diane), Todd (Jenny), Dana Patenaude, nieces Joan (Peter) Turban, Kathy Ainsworth, Kemmie Roberts (Jeff), Kim and Terri Patenaude, Patsy Ainsworth and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Katherine Ainsworth, and brothers Robert and Roy.

Funeral services will be held in the spring.

It is suggested donations be made to either the First Congregational Church, n/c Lewis Goodnow, treas., 21 Common Rd., Shelburne, Ma 01370 or the Senior Center, 7 Main St., Shelburne Falls, MA 01370.

Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls is in charge of arrangements. To send a condolence visit smithkelleherfuneralhome.com