Meredith-----Richard A. “Dick” Dearborn, 78, a longtime Meredith resident, business executive and founder of EPTAM Plastics, died at Lakes Region General Hospital, Laconia on Sunday, November 9, 2014.
Mr. Dearborn was born February 10, 1936 in Laconia, N. H., the son of the late Fred and Antoinette (Lavallee) Dearborn.
After four years in the Air Force, Dick began his career with Insulfab Plastics in 1962. He eventually took over, and then turned around their Watertown, MA facility. In 1982 Dick and his wife Bonnie started EPTAM. They worked out of a storefront in Franklin, NH. Through hard work, grit and a vision he built EPTAM into the largest plastic fabricator in the country. Dick was more than an owner, he was a family man and cared for his employees as if they were his own family. Dick often commented on how lucky he was to have such a great team family at EPTAM.
Dick was one of those individuals who lived life to the fullest. Dick was positive, fun loving and generous. He never met a stranger, and if he did, that person certainly wasn't a stranger for long; he was interested in everyone. He had the ability to make people feel good just in talking with him.
Dick valued hard work no matter the job and never put himself above others. He was a major supporter of education, the trades, manufacturing and The Hout Technical Center, Laconia. In 2013 Dick, along with EPTAM, sponsored the new Science Labs at Laconia High School, thus named - The Richard A. Dearborn Science Center.
Dick was proud of his roots growing up in the Weirs. He understood the value of local manufacturing and machining often commenting about the talent within the Lakes Region. His goal had always been to build a world class manufacturing facility here in New Hampshire and competing around the world.
Dick was well known for his love of his cars, his pipe and drink in hand, his New England Sports teams, TOGA Group, playing Liar’s Poker and his Community Support.
Survivors include three daughters, Kelli Dearborn of Gilford, Dori Dearborn of Meredith and Hali Dearborn and her husband, James Caldwell, of Belmont; four grandchildren, Christine Rivers of Brandon, Vt, Jennifer Higgins of Roseville CA and Drew Fay and Erin Fay both of Meredith; a brother and sister-in-law, James and Brenda Dearborn, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Dearborn was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth “Bonnie” J. (James) Dearborn, in 2010 and by two brothers, Paul Dearborn in 2000 and Robert Dearborn in 1996.
There will be no calling hours.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Conference Center at the Lake Opechee Inn & Spa, using the Opechee Room, 62 Doris Ray Court, Laconia, N.H. on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 1:00PM.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Genesis Behavioral Health, 111 Church Street, Laconia, NH 03246 or to the Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.