Richard P. Tremblay

Richard was born in Lebanon, New Hampshire on October 23, 1927, the son of Isidore and Marie Blanche (Gagnon) Tremblay and was the first of three sons. Richard attended the Sacred Heart School with many of his first cousins, who he remained close to throughout his life. A 1945 graduate of Lebanon High School, Richard was a member of the football and baseball teams and enjoyed skiing. He continued his education at Keene Teachers College receiving a Bachelor’s of Education in 1950.

After graduation he entered the US Army, was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia and served as an instructor. He was honorably discharged in 1952 with the rank of Corporal.

Back to civilian life, he taught in Jaffrey, New Hampshire and Bellows Falls, Vermont. In 1954 he received a Master’s Degree in Education from Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts. He continued his 35-year teaching career first at Keene Junior High School and later at Keene High School where he taught math and science. For the final 12 years of his career in education, he was Administrator of the Blue House at Keene High School. In 1968 he was awarded a Master of Science for Teachers from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

On August 11, 1956, he exchanged wedding vows with Constance Collias at St. Bernard’s Church in Keene. Together they raised their family in a home they built at 45 Hastings Avenue.

Professionally he served on many education committees. He was president of the Keene Education Association, chairman of the Keene District Leadership Unit, and president of the New Hampshire Science Teachers Association. In the Keene community, he served on the Keene Planning Board and the Keene Conservation Commission. In retirement he enjoyed a second career working part-time as an assistant to Thomas Flavin, land surveyor, for 18 years.

He was an active communicant of Saint Margaret Mary Church, where he served on the first parish council, taught religious education and was a lector. As a member of the Keene State College Alumni Association, he helped plan reunions and served on the committee that guided the renovation of the College Camp on Wilson Pond. He was a member of the Cornell University Alumni Admissions Ambassadors Network and represented the University to prospective students. He was pleased that many of the students he interviewed chose to attend Cornell. He was a member of Hooper Golf Club in Walpole, New Hampshire where he especially enjoyed a round of golf with his good friend and colleague Ed Bourassa. He had an interest in photography and an appreciation of his French Canadian heritage, tracing family history and collecting photos and anecdotes to share with his relatives.

Richard spent many happy hours with his grandchildren. He introduced them to the world of geology, helping each grandchild develop an appreciation of rocks and minerals and creating their own special collection. He proudly attended many religious celebrations, performances and athletic events of his grandchildren.

Richard was known for his unique sense of humor, which provided many laughs for family and friends and helped to sustain himself and his loved ones through difficult times. As an educator, he touched many lives. He was regularly invited by former students to attend Keene High School class reunions, where he would hear about the positive impact he had on their lives.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years Constance C. Tremblay, of Keene; a daughter Karen Tremblay van Dijk, her husband Alex, and their children Katherine, Stephanie and Thomas all of Windermere, Florida; a daughter Deborah Tremblay Wales, her husband Scott, and their children Addison and Oziah, all of Weybridge, Vermont; a son Mark Richard Tremblay; a brother James H. Tremblay and sister-in-law Maryellen of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and several cousins, nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends. His brother Charles N. Tremblay died in 2002.

A Memorial and Celebration to remember the life of Richard will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 12:00PM at the Keene State College Alumni Center, 232 Main Street, Keene. Family, friends and former students are warmly invited. There will be a time to share reflections and memories of Richard.

For those who wish, contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to the Richard P. Tremblay Scholarship Fund for Keene High School in care of Wallace Reney at the Savings Bank of Walpole, 84 Marlboro Street,, Keene, NH.