Richard Foster Taft Sr.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Richard was the son of the late Richard and Anna (Brown) Taft. He was raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1960, he met and married Leona Safford. In 1974, they moved to Spofford, New Hampshire to raise their four children. Richard carried with him a lifelong devotion to community, faith, and family.

Richard dedicated much of his life to serving others. He served in the United States Air Force as an Airman First Class from 1952 to 1956. Following his service, he worked for Sarat Ford in Agawam, Massachusetts where he met Leona. He then worked for Smith and Wesson. After moving to New Hampshire, he began a career with the United States Postal Service in Peterborough, New Hampshire, where he worked until he retired at age 72.

Prior to moving to New Hampshire, Richard served as a Mason for many years and as a Boy Scout leader. He was a devoted member of Agawam Baptist Church, where he played an active role in church life, particularly in youth ministry. His warmth and mentorship left a lasting impact on generations of young people.

He spent many years as a volunteer in New Hampshire through 4-H, introducing many children to new skills and creativity by teaching them how to create enamelware jewelry, do leatherworking, string art, sand art, and many other crafts. He also was a member of the Chesterfield Lions Club for many years.

In his younger years, he loved going to Maine to spend time at the beach with his family building sandcastles, shell seeking, and body surfing. In Spofford, he would take his children and the neighborhood kids to catch night crawlers (worms) at night and then fishing during the day. In the winter he would take them sliding, build snowmen and snow forts, and would clear a skating rink on the lake to ice skate during the day and by Coleman lantern at night.

In his later years, Richard enjoyed reading the newspaper and keeping up with current events. He had a passion for meteorology and enjoyed following the weather. He also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, and board games.

Richard loved being in his workshop designing and crafting wooden toys, trains, and repairing furniture in the colder months. During the warmer months he enjoyed spending time outside doing chores like mowing and gardening. He loved animals and bird watching. He adopted several wild creatures over the years and loved to feed them.

He was known for his vegetable garden, a rock garden filled with beautiful flowers, and his never-ending work on the wood pile. He planted and grew a variety of vegetables each year. He and Leona used everything they grew, or were given, for canning and preserving. They shared their harvest with their family, friends, and neighbors. Even when times were tough, they found a way to share their bounty and to help others.

He had a quirky sense of humor, enjoyed talking with others, and spending time with friends and family.

Richard was predeceased by his parents: Richard Royal Taft & Anna Elizabeth (Brown) Taft; his sisters: Lilla (Taft) Darling & her husband Edgar, Elizabeth “Betty” Taft, and Ellen Jean (Taft) Dumas & her husband Gene; his son Richard Taft Jr., his grandson Cory Colburn, and by his beloved wife of 65 years Leona (Safford) Taft.

Richard is survived by his daughters: Susan Ruel and her husband Stephen; Sandra Taft-Fairlie; Kimberly Gauthier and her husband Jeremy; as well as his children of the heart: Sheila Colburn, Ginette Brulotte, Travis and Amy Stout.

Richard was a proud and loving grandfather to Shaun Taft (fiancée Nicole), Kira Taft (fiancée Rob), William Fairlie, Angelo Brignoli, Thomas Fairlie, Dominic Brignoli, Luke Ruel, Keith Colburn and Pierre-Andre Brulotte, and to his great granddaughter, Laurie-Anne Brulotte, and great grandson Malcolm.

Richard will be remembered for his infectious smile, generosity, love, and dedication to his family, friends, and community. His legacy of love and service lives in all who knew him.

A private burial will take place at the Spofford Cemetery in the Spring. A celebration of his life is being planned for the Spring and will be announced at a later date.

Donations in memory of Richard may be made to:

Joan’s Pantry

P.O. Box 148

Chesterfield, NH 03443

Please note “In Memory of Richard Taft” in the memo section.

The family would like to thank the Hospice team who cared for Richard in his final months. They showed compassion and care, respected his wishes, and allowed him to stay in the home that he loved. We would also like to thank the Chesterfield Police Department and Fire Department who came to his rescue when needed. We will be forever grateful to all who were involved in his care.