Richard Whittington Vose, Jr., 79, returned to his heavenly home on Jan. 10, 2015, after a sudden illness. His devotion to his family, friends and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle, and ultimately gave him and his family peace.

Dick was born to the late Richard W. Vose Sr. and Eunice Abigail Shepard Williams in Belmont, Mass., on June 4, 1935.

He was blessed with a wonderful family, and married his best friend, Jean (Howell) Vose, on Dec. 22, 1979, in Norton, Mass. He helped raise his four children with patience, humor, love and gentleness. He taught them to canoe, hike and identify birds, and often took them on camping trips to see the natural beauty of New England. His children remember him as a kind, gentle, patient, loving father who always encouraged them in life.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; his son, Jeffrey Vose and his wife, Tammy; his daughter, Karen Rhodes and her husband, Scott; his son, Glenn Vose; his daughter, Lisa Peck and her husband, Richard; his grandsons, Scott Rhodes, Eric Vose, Joshua Vose, Ryan Peck and Andrew Peck; his granddaughters, Katelyn Rhodes and Riley Peck; and his dog, Honey. In addition, he has a Japanese daughter, Tomomi Okada and her husband, Jun, with their children, Rina and Takuma. She was the Vose’s international home stay student while attending college.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Irene Martin Vose McGuiness; and his parents.

Dick was accomplished at carpentry and woodworking. He was a graduate of the Newton Trade School in Newton, Mass., where he studied cabinetry. He spent several years building houses and retired from Larkin Lumber Co., in Hudson, Mass., where he operated their woodworking shop. He loved to travel, and in August of 2013 fulfilled a long held dream to return to Alaska for a 10-day land/cruise tour. He and Jean also enjoyed trips to Disney World, both with family and alone.

One of his passions was keeping bees in both Massachusetts and Maine. He and Jean were life members of the Worcester County Beekeepers in Massachusetts. They founded the Knox Lincoln County Beekeepers, and their annual bee school. They were especially proud to be named the 2014 Maine State Beekeepers of the Year. One of his favorite summer-time activities was manning a beekeeping table at local fairs. Dick could be found sitting next to the observation hive, telling the children all about the bees inside.

He was a member of the Nobleboro Historical Society and especially enjoyed hosting the summer open houses at the Historical Society. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him.

A time of visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 16 from 7-9 p.m. at Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St. in Damariscotta. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Waldoboro, 71 Grace Ave. in Waldoboro, with a reception to follow at the church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dick's life.

The family gratefully declines flowers, but donations may be sent to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556; NEW Missions, P.O. Box 2727, Orlando, FL, 32802; or Special Olympics of Maine, 125 John Roberts Road # 5, South Portland, ME 04106.

The family thanks the Maine Medical Center SCU 3 staff for their care and compassion.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Strong-Hancock Funeral Home.