Name: The Fortin Group
Address: Auburn, ME

Hello family, and friends it’s Ricky, Richards son. 
Thinking back on Dads funeral I was not able to share all the stories that I and my family have been blessed by after Dads death. In the process of allowing memories of Dad to come,  I have found Great strength in realizing that much of what I do is a result of  spending time with my Dad. Genetics have certainly fashioned me in his image- I can see the resemblance to Dad in more recent pictures of myself.  Genetics  are so strong ... Also what he taught me by word and by deed lives on. I carry him wherever I go. 
Speaking of genetics; let’s talk about Richards grandson - my son Kurt. 
When asked about his fondest memory of Grandpa, he thought for a moment then shared, “ It would have to be his “Armpit Hugs”... what are you talking about? I asked.  Kurt then described -and I then recalled to how Dad seemed to look forward to Hugs with Kurt... He would get this great big smile and his eyes narrowed to thin slots and his cheeks blushed as he lifted my sons arm up over his head- then he tucked his head into Kurt’s armpit, closed his arm back down around his head ( that’s easy to do since Kurt is 6 foot 7 inches tall) and exclaimed, “Look, I’m getting an armpit hug” and his chuckle, that  belly laughing chortle would take over the scene. I remember thinking - Oh my God , Dad. You are so weird! 
My Dad learned to hug after attending Marriage Encouter, that event changed my life. I never knew hugs from Dad. That had not been part of my life. Then  at 13 years old my Dad started to try to hug me. I remember pulling back and resisting that first hug. Then by the look in his eyes I saw that he wished to share his love for me. Dad was quite laconic most of the time. He did not use many words to share his feelings. But those hugs became something I got used to, even though as a teenager it was my job, it’s the nature of the “Teenage Being”  I was supposed to avoid the parental influence trap - now I miss those hugs



I am remembering our Dad today the day before his 81st birthday. I wrote my Dad a birthday card today. Don’t have a physical address to send it too.  But I am sure he gets it already.
I am including the words of a song whose lyrics complement  my eulogy report of the cherished (and only) spanking I ever needed from my Dad. 
My Dads hands were hard as steel when We did wrong. Thankfully I was only wrong Once in my life...
Holly Dunn;  “Daddy’s Hands”,
I remember Daddy’s hands folded silently in prayer
And reaching out to hold me when I had a nightmare 

You could read quite a story in the callouses and lines
( and sawed fingernails)
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind 

I remember Daddy’s hands, how they held my momma tight

And patted my back for something done right

There are things that I’ve forgotten 
That I loved about the man

But I’ll always remember the love in Daddy’s hands

Daddy’s hands were soft and kind
When I was crying 

Daddy’s hands were hard  as steel
When I’d done wrong

Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle 
But I’ve come to understand 

There was always love in Daddy’s hands

Uncle Dick,
     You were the best uncle a young child could have. I have so many fond memories of the adventures you allowed us to have. You allowed us to explore, experiment and love the outdoors. Your kind and gentle discipline when we overindulged in curiosity was more of a life lesson than punishment. You sang songs to us and always overflowed with acts of kindness to others. You loved all kids, and your home was always filled with wide-eyed enthusiasm with all your inventions. You and Aunt Barb were the perfect hosts for many of my summers and weekends. I have tried to replicate those examples with children in my own life. 
                                                                                                    Love you always,
                                                                                                     "Pammy"   Pam Soucy

Thank you all for coming and sharing a wonderful day of sharing the life of the love of my life, Dick Varney.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sorry for your loss.  The Smith's 

Angie and I will always remember the good times and all the help we got at the campground  Angie still calls it Muskegon. Barbara our love goes out to you and the family. 

I took care of Richard at the lamp and then at clover before moving to Louisiana.  Richard was a very nice man. Very sweet & gentle. He was one of my favorites. He will be missed.

Uncle Dick, you were one of the most loved people I knew and for good reason - you were so kind to all. Love you, may you Rest In Peace. Lisa

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Richard Edward Varney

22 janvier 1938 – 17 novembre 2018

The Fortin Group

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