Richard Graydon Tasker

Richard Graydon Tasker, 76, of Yarmouth Port, MA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Cape Cod Hospital. Born in Detroit, MI, Rick was adopted by his loving parents Kenneth Spaulding and Maxine Elliott (Johnson) Tasker.

He was not only a proud US Army Vietnam Veteran, but also a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Sharp Shooter Badge, as well as the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. All of these he displayed deservedly on his office walls.

Having received his teaching degree in Industrial Education at Wayne State in Michigan, Rick went on to work in the Tool & Dye industry until 1983. That was the year he was in an automobile accident that first put him in a coma for several weeks, but then would leave him with permanent brain damage for the second half of his life. Later in the year, he moved from Milford, MI to Lewis Bay Brain Injury Center on Cape Cod, MA. Despite his injuries, Rick was able not only to live rather independently, but also to develop his own Cape Cod lifestyle. As fond as he was of being a Michigander, he also loved living on this peninsula. He was so captivated by its history and charm that he would daily write down comments and essays and stories of his experiences throughout his ongoing life. The first collection of some of these writings became Said And Done: Volume I, published in December of 2008. Rick had been working on a second volume, which will be published posthumously.

Known for his sense of humor, charm and insatiable curiosity of all things, Rick also loved history, especially the history of his own adopted Cape Cod. He knew every librarian on the peninsula, and he maintained an extensive library of local books. Rick Tasker was fascinated by antique stores and consignment stores for the simple history that even the smallest items might hold. Beyond that, Rick appreciated a good movie and the theatre, but he relished even more the idea of being a regular patron of his favorite local restaurants. He wanted to know about others more than he wanted to be known by them, but he was always grateful that they did know him by name. And they always treated Rick as a welcomed guest. He loved to socialize, and he loved to tell stories; however, he most always wanted a story in return. Richard Graydon Tasker could walk up to a stranger; initiate a conversation, and (more often than not) walk away knowing that he had found yet another friend.

Richard is survived by his caregiver of 39 years, Shelly Bancer of Marstons Mills, MA, as well as his two adored cats: Max and Maggie May. He also leaves behind numerous friends who will miss him probably more than he will ever realize.

A Committal Service with Military Honors will take place Thursday, August 25th at Massachusetts National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cape Abilities, or to your favorite charity. For further information or to share a memory, visit www.doanebealameshyannis.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Doane, Beal & Ames in Hyannis, MA.