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 “messing
with people.”
Dick
was complex, generous, brave, passionate, meticulous and caring. He
valued his family and friends above all.
He
is survived by so many who loved him, including but not exclusive to:
his wife of 18 years, Kate Gavin of Montpelier, Vt.; daughter, Polly
Walton Yerkes, her husband, Jamie Yerkes, and their three children,
Ruby Lurella, “Gus” Alexander and Lila Sienna, of Kirby, Vt.; and
stepson, Dan Goetz and wife Kasha of St. Augustine, Fla. He is also
survived by his brother-in-law Dick Miller of Middletown, Conn., and
his children, Carol (Miller) Buzby and husband Dave Buzby of
Middlebury, Vt., and Carol’s children, Lauren, Eric and Lucy; Jean
(Miller) Mariner and husband Paul Mariner of Albuquerque, N.M., and
their children, Blaise, EmmaLia and Eliza; Eric Miller and wife
Juliet Stumpf of Portland, Ore., and their children, Liam and Zander;
his sister Jean (Walton) Lange of Annapolis, Md., and her children,
Joan Pfinsgraff and husband Marty, Sue Gunst and husband Gary,
Priscilla Summers and husband Nick, and Fred Lange and wife Tracey;
and brother-in-law Dennis Collins and wife Susie of Norfolk, Neb. He
is also survived by many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.
He
was predeceased by his former wife, Sienna P. Walton; his
mother-in-law, Betty Phinney; and his sister Joan (Walton) Miller.
A
celebration of life will be held on May 31, 2025, 3 to 6 p.m., at the
Notch House Lake Barn in Westmore, Vt. (notchhouse.com). All are
welcome.
In
lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dick’s name to CVMC Palliative Care Department, or by mail to CVMC
Office of Development, PO Box 547, Barre, VT 05641 (make check to
CVMC with “Palliative Care Department” in the memo), or to the
Alzheimer’s Association.
This article appears in Love & Marriage Issue 2025.