Richard “Rick” Lee Church, 69, of Londonderry, NH, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday September 27th 2016 of a heart attack.
Rick was born on March 12, 1947 in Cass Lake, Minnesota, son of the late Nolan and Thelma (Pederson) Church of Silver Bay, Minnesota. Rick attended William Kelley High School in Silver Bay, Minnesota, Class of 1965, then entered Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota. Rick worked as an expeditor for Federal Stampings in Bloomington, Minnesota prior to starting R.L. Church Company in 1973. Rick grew a successful Manufacturing Representative Company throughout his career.
He was an active volunteer in the community and was always willing to help others. Rick spent free time as a Youth Fellowship Leader at First Parish Church, Hospice Caregiver, March of Dimes volunteer, and Dollars For Scholars Fundraising.
Rick enjoyed traveling with the love of his life and best friend Barb all over the world, but were just as content at home sharing one another’s company and companionship. Rick was a true sportsman in every sense of the word. Whether fishing the lakes of Minnesota or Alaska, on safari in Africa, or water fowling in Canada, Rick loved the outdoors and spending time with his hunting buddies. In Rick’s true philanthropic manner, he supported and fundraised for Ducks Unlimited in preserving and maintaining wetlands. Rick was a DU Grand-Slam Life Sponsor, previous NH State Chairman as well as Committee Chairman, always active in supporting the Ducks. Rick was also a Lifetime Member of Safari Club International and the NRA.
Aside from his love of the outdoors, Rick was, above all else, the most amazing, loving and caring Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He meant the world to so many, a treasure to all who knew him. Rick will forever be remembered for his kindness and generosity. His sense of humor was second to none and the love he shared with each of us will help us through the sad days ahead. He will sorely be missed.
Members of his family include his best friend and wife of 48 years, Barbara (Rude) Church; daughters Cori (Church) McGrath, and husband Bob of Londonderry, NH; and Shannan (Church) Brams, and husband John of Portsmouth, NH. Rick’s six grandchildren adored him and spent countless hours giggling at his incredible sense of humor. Conor, Oan, Rylee, Cole, Tess and Gwen will forever have fond memories to keep Pa/Poppy alive in their hearts.
Family and Friends visited on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 between 11am and 12:30pm. A service followed at 12:30pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick’s memory to Ducks Unlimited http://www.ducks.org/new-hampshire or NH Wildlife Federation http://www.nhwf.org/participation/donate/