Sherman Lawson Richards

HOLDEN - Sherman Lawson Richards, 81, of Holden peacefully passed away on Sept 10, 2009 at the Rose Monahan Home surrounded by the love of his family near and far. He was born on December 31, 1927 in Worcester, the son of Harold G. and Doris Marie (Higgins) Richards. He was educated in Worcester Public Schools and went on to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II where he was stationed in Hawaii. After the war he went on to become a Master Tool and Die maker, working for Sancliff Co. for over 40 years and never missing a day of work. Over the years his work ethic was instilled in his children and grandchildren which made him very proud.

In June of 1954 he married Lywena Temple Johnstone and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage. The recent untimely passing of Lywena on August 2nd brought an end to a long chapter of great fun, love and happy times.

Sherman and Lywena settled on Manning Street in Jefferson where they raised their three daughters, Dory, Jane and Gwen. There they spent many happy moments at their home with the family including their 7 wonderful grandchildren, many friends, the neighborhood kids and of course an assortment of animals!

Sherman was a quiet man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of home and hearth, a true Yankee. He love working in the woods on the weekends, with his late brother Gordon, where he took great pride in the gardens and yard surrounding the house. Over his lifetime he spent time keeping his family's homestead, Maple Hill Farm in Jefferson, in tip top shape. Some of his favorite past times in later years were feeding the birds in the back yard feeders and playing cards with his wife Lywena at the kitchen table each morning. He was a big weather buff and the telephone often rang at night with one or more of his grandchildren calling their Grandpa for a "winter storm weather report" to see if there would be school the next day. He predicted it right almost every time!

Sherman cherished the time spent as a child visiting Higgins Beach in Maine , trips to Vermont with Lywena in the early years and later enjoyed walking with her at York Beach ... sitting for hours together at Nubble Light where they had once honeymooned. A Sunday drive with Lywena and his girls to the top of Mt. Wachusett for picnics, going to horse shows and county fairs always brought fond memories for all. He took great pride in any new car, spending time talking with the grandchildren about their own new vehicles and loved watching wrestling , as well as his favorite Boston Red Sox. He will be so missed by his whole family and we are all thankful for all he taught us over the years. We will always remember him ending a conversation with his famous line ... "And so on and so forth ".

He is predeceased by his beloved wife Lywena and brother Gordon Richards. He leaves behind his three daughters Dory-Ann Richards Waxman and her husband Daniel M. Waxman of Portland, Maine, Jane Carolyn Packard and husband Christopher Packard of Georgetown, Maine and Gwen Ellen Montville and partner David Robinson of Holden. His wonderful grandchildren who brought him gratitude pride and joy: Ben, Adam and Josh Waxman , Meredith and Byron James , Justin and Jason Montville. Also special friends Diana Parisi and Renee Laprad as well as his faithful dog "Dutchie". He also leaves several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to sincerely thank the Rose Monahan Home for their care and kindness extended to our Dad over the past week. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the VNA Care Network, Rose Monahan Home, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608 in memory of Sherman Lawson Richards.

A celebration of Sherman's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 18th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. Committal service to follow at High Plains Cemetery, West Boylston.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com