Final Salute

STRONG – On the morning of September 28, 2024, Mark Wesley Richards left his earthly home for his heavenly one, exactly where he entered it, at his home. He lived his entire life in his family home, a rambling old white farmhouse on Elm Crest Farm at RFD #3 Strong, Maine. He was the son of Ruth Richards Cox and Ross Richards and was born April 7, 1946. He graduated Strong High School in 1964.

Mark Richards
After high school, Mark entered military service as a proud Navy Seabee (Construction Battalion) and served three tours in Vietnam before returning home, to raise his family.

Mark earned his living primarily as a carpenter, building many homes and businesses throughout the Western mountains of Maine. He was particularly known for his fine finish work and attention to detail. But Mark was more than just a carpenter he was an artist and craftsman. He handcrafted many custom pieces of furniture for his loved ones, his own home and the little shop he opened in 1992. In addition to his wood working, Mark was proud to return to schooling and learn another trade. He ran the Strong Water District for many years.

Generous with his kindness and giving spirit, Mark was well known for helping people with a variety of needs. Thawing frozen pipes, building and repairs, sought after parts and pieces or a kind word of support and encouragement. He was patient, steadfast and was always there to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.

His most recent years were spent tending his vegetable gardens and perfecting the art of composting. He loved fishing and an occasional jaunt out hunting birds. Mark had a multitude of talents, the greatest of which, second only to his woodworking, was his ability to re-purpose, reuse and recycle. Mark saw treasures, where others were blind, and he saved anything that “might be needed someday”.

He was predeceased by his mother, Ruth Richards Cox, his father Ross Richards and his brothers Boyd, Sheridan and John. Mark is survived by his brother Jordan Richards, sister Sandra Starbird, brother Bert Cox and his daughters Heidi Richards, Wendy Richards and her partner Melanie Craig, Brandi Flanagan and her wife Noreen Flanagan along with his 5 grandchildren, his pride and joy Adam Perry, Bradan Craig, Bryce Richards, Fionn Flanagan, and Feena Flanagan. He has many cousins, nephews and nieces, and close friends whom he loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a donation in Mark’s name to the National SeaBee Foundation, P.O. Box 391, Springfield, VA 22150.

Funeral services will be held at the Strong United Methodist Church (8 Church Hill Rd.) on October 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. A brief graveside service will be held immediately after the service for close family. Friends and family are welcome to gather for refreshments in the Methodist Church Vestibule. Caring for the family of Mark W. Richards is Wiles Remembrance Center – Farmington. Family and friends are encouraged to visit Mark’s Book of Memory’s at www.wilesrc.com to leave words of sympathy, share a story or words of comfort for his family.