Richard L. Townsend

Auburn- Dr. Richard L. Townsend 71, of Lane Rd. Greene died Friday Nov. 7, surrounded by his loving family, at The Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, after a courageous battle with ALS. He was born in Augusta on Oct. 4, 1943 a son of the late Eben Lee and Helen (Hinds) Townsend. He grew up on The Townsend Farm that his grandfather built in 1913. He was educated in Winthrop, ME and graduated from University of Maine, Orono with bachelors and masters degrees and University of Michigan with a PhD in English Language and Literature. Richard married Kay Kionka on July 8, 1972 and together they raised their three daughters. For 37 years he was an English teacher at Lewiston High School. He truly loved his job and loved working with the students. While at LHS he started a creative writing class and a movie criticism class. He also taught summer classes at Lewiston Auburn College. Richard was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, camping, gardening, looking for mushrooms, rock hunting, golfing and being at the ocean. He also did what he could to help the environment. Richard also enjoyed his motorcycle, playing basketball, playing cards, making up games, ice cream, lobsters and poetry. He leaves his wife of 42 years, Kay of Greene; his three daughters: Meredith Lee Cohen and husband Jason of Austin TX; Robin Lin Townsend of Greene; and Bronwyn Lydia Townsend and her husband Tyson Flagg of Washington DC; two grandchildren, Luciano and Eva Cohen of Austin, TX; a brother, Linwood Townsend and his wife Marcia Good Townsend of Brunswick; and four nieces: Kimberly Byers of Windham, NH, Tammy Townsend of Thomaston, Leslie Boyer of Thomaston and Jennifer Townsend of Washington, DC. He was predeceased by his four aunts, who were near and dear to his heart: Alice Couture, Ruth Townsend, Marion Townsend and Mary Hoch. You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Richard's life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

Visitation Fortin Auburn Friday Nov. 14 from 4-7 PM. Funeral will be celebrated on Saturday Nov. 15 at 11 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 757 Summer St., Auburn. Those wishing to make donations in his memory may do so to the Store Next Door C/O Mary Seaman 156 East Ave. Lewiston, ME 04240. This is an organization that helps homeless students at Lewiston High School. A service of The Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, cremation & Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn 783-8545.