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Richard Ainsworth Obituary

Richard J. Ainsworth, 57, of Farmholme Road, Stonington, died suddenly on Monday, Aug. 25, 2008. He was the beloved husband and soul mate of 32 years to Melinda Turner Ainsworth.
Richard was born in Westerly on May 2, 1951, and he was the devoted son of Gordon and Arlene (McFarland) Ainsworth of Pawcatuck.
Rich worked at Doncasters Precision Casting-New England in Groton as a Welding Supervisor/Repair Analyst. His broad depth of knowledge and expertise in welding was sought after to identify the most efficient methods of casting repair. He was responsible for the management and operation of a three-shift welding department.
He was a 1969 graduate of Stonington High School. Rich participated in many sports and excelled in track and field where he set the 1968 pole vault record, a record that stood for over 20 years. He attended Northwestern Oklahoma State College. Rich was a member of the UCC Church of Westerly.
Richard loved life, and being with his family gave him a special joy. He appreciated the simple beauty of nature and enjoyed traveling with his wife, especially out West. He loved the theatre and music. An accomplished drummer, he had a fond love for music particularly jazz. Rich loved animals and his trusted dog Gibson, who could always be found close by his side.
Richard will be remembered for his gentle disposition, willingness to help others, and his warm sense of humor.
Besides his wife and parents he will be sadly missed by his two sons, Trevor Martin Ainsworth of Vermont and Marc Edward Ainsworth of Stonington. He also leaves his brother, Gordon R. Ainsworth and his wife Tammy of Farmington, Mich., and several nephews and cousins.
Services and burial were held privately through the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St., Westerly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lupus Alliance of America, 26507 Harper Ave, St. Claire Shores, MI 48081.
For online condolences, visit www. buckler-johnston.com.

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

Published by The Westerly Sun on Aug. 31, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Ainsworth

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cheryl smith

September 11, 2008

Dear Gordon, Mindy, Marc and family, As a close neighbor, I was blessed to move next door to Gordon and Arlene nearly 10 years ago. They are wonderful people and all of the family as well. Richard had a special charm about him, a warm smile, a great sence of humor, he was so kind and caring to all of his family. He will always be remembered and honored. I am terribly sorry for your loss and will miss seeing him with little Gibson by his side. Please know that I am here for your family in anyway possible. Cheryl Smith, neighbor. (oliver and otis too ) :)

Susan Rittenhouse Joseph

September 9, 2008

To all the Ainsworth Family, my deepest sympathy. Gordon Sr. was a pal of my Dad, and "young Gordon" probably remembers some of their time together. The Rittenhouses, Ainsworths and Parnigonis had wonderful times together, especially during their years singing in the Westerly Chorus. I spoke briefly to Gordon Sr. when he visited Arlene at WNH while I was visiting my parents there. My Dad is now gone, too, but after nearly 92 years. I can't imagine the crushing weight you all must feel loosing Rich at such an early age. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Susan Rittenhouse Joseph

Sarah (Scheide) Voda

September 8, 2008

Mindy- I just heard about Rich today, and words cannot express how sorry I am for you and your family. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Clasina Schoen

September 8, 2008

Dear Mindy and Marc,

Our family was deeply saddened to learn about the sudden death of your loving husband and father. My Richard and I always enjoyed our occasional chats when we would see you and Richard around town.
I best remember Rich when we both chaperoned the Atlanta Stonington High School music trip. We had a blast and he always made all of us laugh and relax which we desperately needed while chaperoning high school students. May all the Ainsworth family find strength in the love you shared and may that love surround you during this difficult time?

Our deepest Sympathy.
You're in our thoughts and prayers,

Clasina, Richard, Gregory, and Pieter Schoen

Janet Gross

September 5, 2008

Dear Mindy,
We are so sorry for the sudden loss of your husband. Our thoughts are with you and your family. With sincere sympathy. Andy and Janet

Janet Gross

September 5, 2008

Trevor,
We were very saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. Love Janet and Andy

Linda Ravenelle

September 4, 2008

Trevor,

My heart aches for your whole family right now especially you and your mom...as you are both close to my heart.

Marc Ainsworth

September 3, 2008

dad,
Your the only person on the planet earth that i can call father and i am going to take what i have learned from you and be stronger faster and more understanding from it. dad you have changed my life forever and i loved every second being with you and im going to miss you but i will make shore to see you on the other side were the grass is alot greener and dont worry mom is under my watch now...i am the man of the house taking your spot and again growing stronger from it.... DAD I LOVE YOU!!!!!

Kelly Panciera

September 3, 2008

Trevor,

What I remember most about you dad is when he used to call you at Nana's when we were little and pretend to be Mickey Mouse. He'd ask if I was Minnie, or if Donald or Pluto were there, before asking for you. You obviously inherited his sense of humor.

I know he meant a lot to you, and I am truly sorry for your loss. He will be missed.

Love,
Your sister

Kathy Pennella

September 3, 2008

Mindy,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I truly feel your loss.... Just know that I am always here for you...
With Heartfelt Sympathy...
Love, Kathy

Royal Sheeley

September 3, 2008

Mindy, Gordon, and Arlene--Susan and I send our deepest condolances on the loss of Richard. Cyndi sent me a copy of the notice knowing that we would be concerened.

Royal and Susan Sheeley

Joe Coon

September 2, 2008

Mindy,
Sorry for your loss. I worked with Rich for 6 1/2 years and thought alot of him. He was always there to lend a hand, and usually left me laughing, I'll miss him.

Renee Vogt

September 2, 2008

Mindy,
I know it has been awhile since we have run into one another, and I hope it will be soon again. My sympathy to you and your family on your husband's passing. May you have many happy memories.

Renee Vogt

steven spellman

September 2, 2008

Mindy and family, my sincere sympathies. I have great childhood memories of climbing trees with Rich. He was an invaluable member of the 1968 ECC championship football team. While the obituary mentioned his longstanding pole vault record, it should be pointed out that in those days SHS did not have the big cushions to fall on. He was fearless. Always a positive force.

Tina Alexander

September 2, 2008

Mindy, my deepest sympathies go out to you and Marc. Most people dream of finding a love like the one you and Rich have shared. Soulmates, that is definitley the case. I have never seen two people as perfect for each other as the two of you. I only hope to have that kind of happiness in my life. Remember, he will always be there to guide you and help you through all the trying times, your souls are but one now and he will always be with you. I love you so much, please let me know if you need anything. God Bless.

aimee annibalini

September 1, 2008

Mindy, I was so saddened and shocked to read of rich's passing...my heart is with you and your family.... i so remember him as a very kind and giving person...he was the best when it came to your mom and dad...just like a son... he is far too young to leave us and i hope that your memories of such a wonderful person stay with you and help you to get through this sad and terrible time.....with peace and prayers i love you aimee

mike conlon

September 1, 2008

My heart and prayers to all of you. So long, old friend.

Tamara Ainsworth

September 1, 2008

And what a sweet and kind brother-in-law. Rest in peace, Richard. With love, Tammy

Linda Fracassini

August 31, 2008

I loved you like a brother, Rich. Always kind, always helpful, you will always be a part of me.
Loving thoughts to you, Mindy, Marc and Trevor.
Cousins Linda and Jack

K Rick

August 31, 2008

May God bless you all. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Bob DePerry

August 31, 2008

Mindy and Family and friends.
With deepest sympathy, you are in our prayers.
Richie was a dear friend that I had the pleasure of knowing and growing up, and graduating with.
Words cannot express how sorry and how terrible I feel to hear of the tragic news.
Bob DePerry and family

Vickie & Bill Ware

August 31, 2008

Mindy, Marc, and Trevor,
Deepest Sympathy.
You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Kevin Martin

August 31, 2008

Mindy, Marc and Trevor,

My heart goes out to all of you.
With deepest sympathy and prayers.

Gordon Ainsworth

August 31, 2008

Rich, you were an incredible brother. I will really miss you. Gordon

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