DEXTER - Richard Hanscom, 90, passed away peacefully at home after a few years of ill health on December 24, 2018, having been visited by many family members and friends. He was born August 13, 1928 in Lee, a son of Leland and Velma (Green) Hanscom. He celebrated his 90th birthday in August with many family and friends. He married Cathleen Merchant on April 7, 1950. Richard was a farmer, logger, and truck driver. He worked with horses in his younger days and also worked at Fayscott. He loved being outdoors, especially with his draft horses and didn't miss many horse pulling events at the local fairs. He was a big believer in 4-H and had grandchildren and great-grandchildren in that organization. Richard loved watching all the kids in the family participating in sports, from field hockey to gymnastics and especially wrestling. He was very passionate about wrestling, traveling all over the state to watch matches. At family gatherings, there were always children in his lap, chatting with him or sleeping. He could calm any crying baby. All the babies in the family napped on his chest. The older ones would sit on the footstool at his feet and listen to the stories he told. When it came to storytelling, he was a champ. He would tell his stories at Leonard's Mills in the winter when those having hayrides would come in to the stove to warm themselves. He was awarded a certificate for his time there, keeping people entertained. He was more than the family historian. He told of a way of life that isn't found anymore and hasn't been for a long time. He made his stories come to life and made us all laugh. He and Cathleen always wanted to visit Alaska, but never got there. They were very happy when their oldest grandson moved there for work though and loved listening to his stories for a change. Photos brought back from Alaska gave Richard hours of entertainment. He is survived by his children: Kenneth & Laurie Hanscom, Richard Hanscom and companion Debbie Banks, Mark and Laurie Hanscom, Linda Hanscom and companion Rick Rondeau and Scott and companion Pam Hanscom; grandchildren: Jennifer and Ryan Miller, Melanie and James Lieberman, Jessica Ellis, Amanda and Jotham Spreeman, Angela Anderson, Crystal and Justin Waltman, Matthew Hanscom, Kendra Hanscom, Tiffany and Jeremy Howard, Joseph Hanscom, Joshua Hanscom and girlfriend Courtney Klaiber, Dylan Hanscom, Nicholas Hanscom; great-grandchildren: Aaliyah, Aliviah, Gavin, Kayden, Aidan, Trenton, Maddox, Rhylee, Raelynn, Bella, Mitchell, Tessa, Peyton, Ally, Annalise, Khloe, Brantley and Marilynn; sisters: Wilma, Katherine and Ethel; many nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Cathleen, brother Guvanus, sisters Althea, Alfreda, Margaret, and Emma Jean. Friends may call from 6 to 8 P.M. Thursday, December 27th at Crosby & Neal, 61 Main Street, Dexter. A graveside funeral and committal service will be held in the spring at the Lawn Cemetery, Guilford.