Richard Allen Shook

1949 - 2023

Niantic - Richard Allen Shook of Niantic died with his family at his side at Yale New Haven Hospital Oct. 10, 2023, after a long illness.

Richard "Dick" was delivered by his physician father March 11, 1949, in Riverdale, N.D. Dick attended Fargo, N.D. public schools where he was a member of the National Honor Society, an Eagle Scout, excelled in music (jazz trumpet), art, and swam for the varsity team. He went on to get a Bachelor of Science in Zoology at Moorhead State University in Minnesota while being an active member of their jazz ensemble. After graduating, Dick moved to Ithaca, N.Y., where he received a Master of Science in Animal Behavior from Cornell University, and played trumpet in the Ithaca College jazz band. On his career journey, he taught middle school science in Sheldon, N.D., and played trumpet in show bands in Las Vegas. In 1980, Dick moved to Ames, Iowa and enrolled at the Iowa State University of Veterinary Medicine, where he met Lee Carpenter, and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1984.

During his four years in Ames, he played in the university jazz band, pick up bands and Des Moines Big Band. Dick continued his art, primarily in scientific illustration, using scratchboard as his media and publishing drawings in several veterinary textbooks and publications and sold his art at Minnesota and North Dakota art festivals. After graduating, Dick practiced veterinary medicine in Fargo and Boston. In 1987, Dick and Lee were married, moved to Connecticut, and in 1990 founded and partnered in Niantic Animal Hospital. They raised their two children, Robert Carpenter Shook, 33, a photojournalist and yacht captain, and daughter Carson Carpenter Shook, 31, a science teacher for Waterford Public Schools.

Richard was gregarious and loved a good joke, bird watching, jazz, art, and reading. He enjoyed family trips to Puerto Rico, the Adirondacks, his brothers' Minnesota lake cabins, visits with his parents and siblings in Fargo, and maintaining a close relationship with his niece Caitlin. He loved trips and retreats with his friends at The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme (FCCOL) to South Dakota's Green Grass Church Community on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, South Africa, Palestine, and weekends of museums, jazz venues and theater with Lee.

Dick was a member of FCCOL since 1995 where he served on the board of deacons and played trumpet in services many times over the years to the delight of the congregation. He played, often in big bands, throughout southeastern Connecticut for over 25 years and was known around Niantic for driving through town playing his pocket trumpet.

Richard was predeceased by his brother Dr Robert Shook; and his parents, Dr. Lester and Ann Shook (Fargo, N.D). He is survived by his sister Betsy Baker; brother-in-law Al Baker; brother Dr. Dale Shook and sisters-in-law Mona Shook and Susan Shook, (Fargo, N.D.), brother-in-law Dr. James Tyler Carpenter and sister-in-law Karen Carpenter, RN (Milton, Mass.); sister-in-law Robin Carpenter of Sonoma, Calif.; as well as ten nieces and nephews.

His service will be held at 2 p.m. October 22, at The First Congregational Church in Old Lyme. Memorial contributions may be made to the Green Grass Partnership through the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. A memorial service will be conducted in Fargo on a date to be determined. Condolences may be shared on Dr. Shooks' memorial page on www.neilanfuneralhome.com.