PHILIP "PHIL" G. RICHARDS
DOVER-FOXCROFT - Philip G. Richards "Phil", 70, passed away Sept. 5, 2004, at his home in the company of his wife of 50 years, his children and their families. He was born in Calais, Dec. 1, 1933, to the late Fred and Dora (McLain) Richards and was raised in Princeton.

In 1951, at age 17 Phil graduated from Princeton High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for three years during the Korean War attaining the rank of Sergeant. On Dec. 12, 1953, Phil married Norma Barnard from Woodland and they started their life together traveling by car to Camp Pendleton, Oceanside Calif., where Phil was stationed. After being honorably discharged in July of 1954 Phil and Norma traveled back to Maine and Phil enrolled in the Public Management Program at the University of Maine, Orono. He received a BA in Public Management in 1958 and later went on to earn a Masters Degree of Public Administration in 1971 as a member of the first graduating class in that field of study. Phil's career in public administration spanned 35 years and included town manager, Mount Desert; city manager, Gardiner; public administration specialist, Maine Municipal Association, Hallowell; city manager, Lebanon N.H.; town manager, Dexter; and town manager, Hampton N.H. for 13 years. He retired in 1993 and was recognized for his service to the community, his ability to work with the Board of Selectman and his ongoing support of the Town of Hampton employees. Phil was an outstanding public servant as evidenced by his active participation in numerous civic organizations in each community he managed.

In 2002, he moved to Dover-Foxcroft with his wife and feline friends, Harley and Springer. He was an avid deer hunter from the time his father first took him into the woods and enjoyed many hunting seasons with his sons, grandchildren, son-in law and friends. Phil was a dedicated "Harley Man" and traveled many miles, shared laughter and created special memories with his wife and their "biker" friends. While living in Hampton he loved being on the ocean pulling his lobster traps. Family and friends enjoyed time on the boat with Phil as captain and Norma as his first mate, and the day's catch was shared by all.

As a child Phil spent summers at the family cottage "Twilight" on Big Lake in Plantation 21 and through the years spent many hours fishing with his grandchildren and appreciating time with his family. He was an very talented artist who taught art classes, designed magazine covers for the Maine Townsman, decorated cakes with his drawings and painted Maine landscapes now hanging on the walls of his family and friends. Phil was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; his son, Jeff; daughter-in-law, Lynne and their children, Ryan and Timothy; daughter, Cheri (Richards) Snow; son-in-law, Peter and their children, Matt and Alyssa; son, Tim and his children, Jason and Brian; his brother, Ralph; sister-in-law, Barbara and their sons, Bion and Scott; sister, Rita (Richards) Furbish and brother-in-law, Roger and their sons, John and Richard; close friends, Brian Cole, Lois Thomas, George and Betty Hesleton, "Woody", and Jack Furbush.

To all who knew Phil and were a special part of his life, the family would ask you to remember "Love is how you stay alive even after you are gone".

There will be a graveside service at the Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, honoring Phil at 1 p.m. Sept. 11, followed by a celebration of his life at camp "Twilight" on Big Lake. For those unable to attend condolences may be expressed at www.kincerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, ME 04357.