Dover-Foxcroft - On December 2, 2024, we lost one of the Good Ones when we lost our Dad, William Dyer Richardson. Dad was born October 13, 1938, in Monson. He was the fourth of ten children born to Earlon C. and Willa (Mountain) Richardson. Bill, who was also affectionately known to many as Buster, grew up in East Dover and Sebec and spent his summers living and working with his grandparents in Milo. Bill graduated from Foxcroft Academy, Class of 1957. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was off to Fort Devens for basic training. He was chosen to be a part of the Morse Intelligence Unit and was stationed in Germany where he sent and intercepted Morse code messages. After his years in the service, Dad returned to the Dover-Foxcroft area where he soon reconnected with the first love of his life, Alice Bickmore. They were married soon after in January 1961. Mom and Dad shared just shy of fifty three years together raising their three children and living life to the fullest. Dad worked for a short time for the B&A Railroad before beginning his career with New England Telephone Company, retiring after thirty plus years of service. He was proud to be one of the first people to splice fiber optic cable in the state of Maine. Never one to sit still, the first year after he retired he had numerous W-2s. In addition to his family and work lives, Dad was involved in many organizations over the years. Like his father, brothers, and son, he was not only a member of the Piscataquis Valley Fair Association, but served various roles over the years including Secretary and President. In addition to working tirelessly for the local fair association, Dad also served as Vice President of the Maine State Agricultural Fairs eventually becoming President for a couple of terms. Dad was a 50 plus year member and Past Master of the Mosaic Lodge #52 order of the Masonic Lodge and the Anah Temple Shrine. While in the Shrine he was a member of the Arab Foot Patrol participating in many events all over the state. He was also a cherished advisor and Rainbow Dad to the local chapter of the order of Rainbow Girls. Dad was a member of the Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department for many years and was also on the board of the Dover-Foxcroft Water District. In 2018, Dad was lucky to find love for a second time when he married Marilyn Collins. They had several years together before dementia started to affect his health. Marilyn stood unwaveringly by his side and we want to thank her for her devotion and loving care for the last six years. Bill leaves a loving legacy in his huge family, including his wife, Marilyn; his three children and their spouses, Kim and Dave Thayer, Kelly and Brett Hutchinson, and Ken and Pam Richardson. He thought the world of his grandchildren and would have done anything for any of them. They include, Alex and Ashley Robinson, Andrew and Sarah Robinson, Chris and Nicole Hutchinson, Danielle and Andy Koncinsky, Emily and Ian Mallory, Chase and Olivia Hutchinson, Kilee and David Salley, Kate and Justin Ames, and Jason Richardson. As special as the grandkids were to him the greats were even more so. They include, Kieran, Kirstin, Natalie, Sam, Jace, Amelia, Ella, Alice, Vera, Cora, Jeremii, Jackson, Silas, Colbie, Lane, Lenorah, Lexi, Carter, Alexis, Bailey, and baby Colton who is still cooking. Dad is also survived by his siblings, Earlon “Jr” , Terry, Pam Reynolds and Judy Snow, along with MANY nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Marilyn’s daughters, D’arcy and Katrina. Bill was predeceased by his loving first wife, Alice and his beloved first granddaughter, Amanda. He was also predeceased by his parents, Willa and Earlon, and siblings, Robert, Tommy, Janet, Bunny, and Shirley, as well as his Bickmore in-laws. Our family is thankful for the care provided to Dad over the last several months and the care provided to us during the last week by the staff at Hibbard Nursing Home. Thanks also to Gentiva Hospice for the care that was provided. Their folks are truly special people. Visiting hours will be held 4-6 pm Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Lary Funeral Home, 62 Summer Street, Dover-Foxcroft, with a Masonic service starting at 5:30pm. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held 1PM Wednesday December 11, at Lary Funeral Home with a reception following at the American Legion Post 29, 78 Park Street in Dover-Foxcroft. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, MELHA SHRINERS, 270 Main St., Suite HH, Agawam, MA 01001. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.