High school librarian and hospice volunteer valued his family and friends above all
Richard Andrew Walton ("Dick,""Dickie,""DOD,""Grandpa Dick,""GUD”) died in his home in Montpelier, Vt., at the age of 86, with his wife and daughter by his side. Though his body remained remarkably strong — still chopping wood, hiking and shoveling driveways — he began showing signs of memory loss in 2017. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2023 and chose to die with dignity by VSED. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dick was the son of Stanley T. Walton and Lurella Belle Linker and the youngest brother to Joan Miller and Jean Lange. He held especially fond memories of his "Nanna” Walton, Nellie May Marsh, who lived with them and shared her talents in cooking, painting, crocheting and braiding rugs. After moving to Branford, Conn., at a young age, Dick attended Hopkins School, which he considered a major influence on his life. He lettered in football, fencing and track (shot put) while working his way through school on a work scholarship and small construction crew. He attended Colby College, then spent his “most significant years” in New York City and in the U.S. Army, driving big trucks. He worked at the Village Gate on Bleecker Street, seeing such influential greats as Dave Brubeck, the Smothers Brothers, Stan Getz, Nina Simone and Judy Henske. Dick completed two master’s degrees — one in library science from Simmons College and another in business administration from Goddard College. He worked as a librarian in Vermont at Goddard and Lyndon State College but found his true passion among high school students at Spaulding High School in Barre, where he worked as head librarian for more than 20 years before retiring in 2000. In retirement, Dick dedicated many years as a hospice volunteer, taking special pride in supporting veterans at the end of their lives. He would listen to their stories, read to them and even join them in their workshops. He also found deep purpose in practicing tai chi, committing to the Yang Long Form daily for nearly 25 years, which contributed to his strength and well-being. Dick had an eye for beauty and an appreciation for art in all its forms. He loved taking photographs, visiting art museums, and collecting unique driftwood and rocks. He had an undeniable love for good food and drink, sweets, and especially sauces. He delighted in the neighborhood dogs and had a sharp wit, always enjoying…
High school librarian and hospice volunteer valued his family and friends above all
Richard Andrew Walton ("Dick,""Dickie,""DOD,""Grandpa Dick,""GUD”) died in his home in Montpelier, Vt., at the age of 86, with his wife and daughter by his side. Though his body remained remarkably strong — still chopping wood, hiking and shoveling driveways — he began showing signs of memory loss in 2017. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2023 and chose to die with dignity by VSED. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dick was the son of Stanley T. Walton and Lurella Belle Linker and the youngest brother to Joan Miller and Jean Lange. He held especially fond memories of his "Nanna” Walton, Nellie May Marsh, who lived with them and shared her talents in cooking, painting, crocheting and braiding rugs. After moving to Branford, Conn., at a young age, Dick attended Hopkins School, which he considered a major influence on his life. He lettered in football, fencing and track (shot put) while working his way through school on a work scholarship and small construction crew. He attended Colby College, then spent his “most significant years” in New York City and in the U.S. Army, driving big trucks. He worked at the Village Gate on Bleecker Street, seeing such influential greats as Dave Brubeck, the Smothers Brothers, Stan Getz, Nina Simone and Judy Henske. Dick completed two master’s degrees — one in library science from Simmons College and another in business administration from Goddard College. He worked as a librarian in Vermont at Goddard and Lyndon State College but found his true passion among high school students at Spaulding High School in Barre, where he worked as head librarian for more than 20 years before retiring in 2000. In retirement, Dick dedicated many years as a hospice volunteer, taking special pride in supporting veterans at the end of their lives. He would listen to their stories, read to them and even join them in their workshops. He also found deep purpose in practicing tai chi, committing to the Yang Long Form daily for nearly 25 years, which contributed to his strength and well-being. Dick had an eye for beauty and an appreciation for art in all its forms. He loved taking photographs, visiting art museums, and collecting unique driftwood and rocks. He had an undeniable love for good food and drink, sweets, and especially sauces. He delighted in the neighborhood dogs and had a sharp wit, always enjoying…