Auburn - Gaylon F. Richards, 81, of Auburn, passed away on Monday October 16, 2017 at The Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn with his family by his side. He was born in Dover Foxcroft on February 5, 1936, a son of the late Fernald and Leona (Coy) Richards. Following graduation from High School, he attended The University of Maine in Farmington from where he graduated and received his Bachelors Degree in Education. In 1958 he enlisted in the US Army and was a member of the 101st Airborne until his honorable discharge in 1962. On September 1, 1962, he married Christine Merrill. They were married for 42 years until her death in 2004. Gaylon was a teacher in the Auburn School system for 32 years until his retirement in 1999. He was a great outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, working with wood and he had a long history of doing greenhouse work dating all the way back to working with his parents. He and his wife raised a beautiful family of four children and he enjoyed his time with his six grandchildren.
Gaylon is survived by his 4 children: Tim Richards and wife Kelly of Carrabassett Valley, Gayl Downs and boyfriend David Leonard of Winthrop, Jonathan Richards and wife Brooke of Waterboro, Kimberly Richards-Jones and husband Sean of Brunswick, 6 grandchildren: Emily and Ethan Richards, Hunter Cook, Bailey and Jake Jones, Christine Downs and a sister Sylvia Dean and husband Dave of Sangerville, Me. Besides her parents he was predeceased by his wife Christine and brother Sumner Richards. You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories with the Richards family by visiting Gaylon's guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at The Fortin Group/Plummer Merrill Funeral Home in Auburn. Funeral Services and Military Honors will be held on Sunday at 2:00 PM at the funeral Home followed by a celebration of life at the funeral home. Committal Services will be held at a later date at Pine St. Cemetery in Auburn. Those wishing may make Donations in Gaylon's memory to: Edward Little High School Scholarship Fund, c/o Nancy Cyr, 77 Harris St., Auburn, Maine 04210. A Service of The Fortin Group/Plummer Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, Maine 04210. 783-8545
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October 22, 2017
Greg Pray
Gaylon and Chris Richards, the nicest people I've ever known. They will be missed.
October 22, 2017
MArilyn Hutchins
Family, that is the word that comes to mind. We were like family. I always knew there was a open door and we would be welcomed. He was kind and always there like an uncle. Our childhood was spent many times with the family, camping, pig roast , and Sugarloaf mountain. The flowers the way he cared about making others happy. When I had a special needs child he took the tie to talk to me and encouraged me in my goals for him. He is and always will be an important part of my life.
October 19, 2017
He was an awesome teacher and cared very much about his students !! It was important to him to see his students succeed and push through even when things got tough !! Sorry for the loss of this Great Teacher, Father and Grandfather his life has changed many people over the years
October 19, 2017
Sandra Toothaker
He was an awesome teacher and cared very much about his students !! It was important to him to see his students succeed and push through even when things got tough !! Sorry for the loss of this Great Teacher, Father and Grandfather his life has changed many people over the years!!
October 19, 2017
David Field
Gaylon was a pleasure to work with at Walton School in Auburn. I always said that if his techniques for teaching his students could be properly documented, we would have a model to inspire other educators. He had a very special talent. Gaylon was one of Auburn's best. I am sorry for your loss.
Dave and Ellen Field
October 19, 2017
Michelle Neptune
Gayl I am so so sorry for you loss you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love always,
Michelle Neptune xoxoxox
October 19, 2017
jessica
He was a great teacher I am sorry for the family's loss.
October 18, 2017
Claudia Fredette
I was so blessed to get to visit with Gaylon while I was up in Maine visiting with Jonathan & Brooke while I was on vacation last week. I hadn't seen him for many years but he knew who I was and that was so special to me. Prayers of comfort and love to all the family and friends that will miss him dearly.
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