CAMDEN — Clifton Henry Richards, 96, of Camden, died Dec. 10, 2012, at the Maine VA Medical Center at Togus. One of 11 children, Cliff was the son of Burnside and Hattie Richards, and was a descendant of James Richards, one of the original settlers of the Rockport-Camden area. He was selected to participate in the Civil Conservation Corps and worked on projects in the Camden Hills State Park and in Rockwood and the Moosehead Lake region of the state.

On July 27, 1942, he married Evelyn Pitcher and in the fall enlisted in the U.S. Army. Cliff served in the 1st Infantry in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, Northern France, Normandy, Rhineland and Ardennes. At Omaha Beach, Cliff arrived on a landing craft as a gunner, was wounded and once recovered, chose to return to his unit rather than be promoted. He was the recipient of multiple awards, including the Distinguished Unit Badge, American Defense Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Service Arrowhead, Purple Heart, and a Bronze Star.

Following his discharge from the Army, Cliff returned to Camden and worked at the Knox Woolen Mill, Rankin's Lumber and Hardware, Ayer's Fish Market, and the Camden Public Library as custodian and groundskeeper retiring at the age of 93. He will be remembered by many for his work ethic, which benefited his employers and many residents and homeowners who had special requests for Cliff. He felt that age was not a barrier to productive work, as evidenced by his many years with the Camden Public Library.

The 2003-2004 Annual Report for the town of Camden was dedicated to Cliff for exemplary services to his work and the community.

His hobbies were hunting, fishing, cutting and splitting wood, mowing lawns, and work. Cliff enjoyed going out to eat, telling stories and visiting with his many friends throughout town. He and Evelyn enjoyed a long, loving marriage of 70 years. His other love and faithful companion was Rusty, his golden retriever.

Surviving are his wife; two sons, Gary Richards and his wife, Lori Palensky, of Lincoln, Neb., and Duane Richards and his wife, Darlene, of Camden; two grandchildren, Shawn Richards and Stacy Richards and her fiancé, Adam Pierce; one brother, Harold Richards and his wife, Judy; one sister, Georgie Chapin, all of Camden; and many nieces and nephews. Cliff was predeceased by an infant daughter, Glenda Richards, several brothers and sisters, and his beloved canine companion, Rusty.

A Memorial Service was held Dec. 14, 2012, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Rockport. Interment with military honors followed in the Mountain View Cemetery in Camden.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to P.A.W.S., P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04843.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the Richards family by visiting their book of memories at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements were with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Camden.