TILTON ---- Edward Walter Richards, 90, passed away at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton, NH on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, where he was remembered for his wit, smile and sparkling blue eyes during a Final Salute Ceremony organized by fellow veterans and staff.
Ed was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts and grew up in Norton on his father’s chicken farm, Harco Orchards. In 1954 he graduated from the Stockton School of Agriculture - University of Massachusetts and also married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine Penelope MacNeill. In 1956, after serving in the United States Army in Japan, where he also became a father to his oldest son, he returned to full responsibility for Harco. Harco was honored for breeding the best egg laying chickens in New England and for the development of the sex-linked breeds derived from the Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Barred Rock varieties. Ed and his team managed a range and breeding facility for over 10,000 birds. He drove all around New England delivering eggs and chickens to his customers, developing lasting business relationships, and making lifelong friends with everyone he encountered.
A father of 3 and another on the way, Ed and Penny picked up roots and moved to New Hampshire in 1970. They owned and operated Saunders Bay Motel and Cottages in Gilford. They had a loyal following of customers who returned year after year for their superior hospitality and friendship. Most would tell you they never have had a better hotdog than the ones cooked by Ed at the weekly Tuesday night Weenie Roasts! During the off-season Ed also started driving a school bus and “his kids” remembered him fondly for his compassion, fairness, and making sure everyone got off his bus with an encouraging word and a smile.
With their hard-working entrepreneurial spirit, Ed and Penny moved to Henniker, NH in 1980 where they purchased a campground. It was there that their dream of someday owning their own camper to travel the USA was born. Driving and exploring were Ed’s passions! When the couple returned to the Lakes Region, Ed drove a big rig for Weeks Dairy in addition to his school bus runs. He also began driving for Lakes Region Student Transport where he retired at the age of 81! A few years later one of his students invited him to attend his high school graduation because Ed had had such an impact on this young man’s life by being a caring and positive influence on his daily school routine.
Throughout the years, whenever Ed took a day off from his work, his garden, and his many family and church responsibilities, he would say to Penny, “Let’s go on a reconnoiter!” and off on another adventure they would go! Most of the time it would involve driving for miles for a visit to that off the beaten path dairy bar for ice cream!
In addition to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Ed is survived by the love of his life, Penny. From the moment they married, and when at the young age of 18, she left her large family and the tiny four corners of Eastondale, Massachusetts to join him in Japan, they have been partners in love, adventure, and faith. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in October! Throughout their marriage, and especially for their children and grandchildren, they have been examples of a partnership buoyed by hard work, forgiveness, much laughter, a steadfast faith in God, and respect and appreciation for one another. They have set a high mark for each of us.
All are invited to celebrate Ed’s remarkable life and honor his passing on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 1PM at Grace Presbyterian Church in Laconia, NH.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.