TUNBRIDGE, VT — Richard Allen “Ric” Stride, 63, died suddenly Thursday morning, January 23, 2020, in Barnard, VT. Richard was a man of few words but extraordinary passion. Always ensuring that his three children and wife were loved and happy. He worked as a mechanic for 30 plus years. He loved taking things apart so he could learn how to put them back together again. He expressed his interest in old toys by collecting one lunger engines, cast iron toys, and various different model A vehicles. As an avid member and longtime president of the Connecticut River Antique Collectors Klub he took part in tractor rides, plow days and the club’s annual show. When he wasn’t tinkering he was at his children’s various activities. Between sports, plays and train shows he always made sure to fuel what his kids loved to do. On Tuesday nights during the winter and spring months he devoted time to his passion to sing. A member of the Freelance Family Singers of Woodstock for 25 years, he sang alongside his family and friends. He was a longtime member of the Pomfret Congregational Church. As of late he would spend his time at his job at Twin Farms in Barnard, VT. Loving the drive in, he got on his motorcycle during the warm days. On his days off he spent time with his grandson Henry. Loving every minute of being a PaPa. Despite his few words he always made a point to show his love for everyone whom he knew and met.
Born on January 11, 1957, to parents Richard Arnold Stride and Adele Galbreath Stride in Brockton, Massachusetts. He was the oldest of four, two sisters and a brother, whom he loved to spend time with and shared many memories with. After a move from Massachusetts he lived in Pomfret, VT, for a short time where he met his wife, while working as a handyman for her grandfather. He then moved to the plot of land in Tunbridge where he had resided since and raised his family. He is predeceased by his grandparents, his mother Adele and father Richard Stride. He is survived by his wife Julie Stride of Tunbridge; his three siblings Maureen Eaton of Lunenburg, Amber Chambers of Lowell and Tabor Stride of Tunbridge; his three children Jennifer Stout, Jason and Larissa Stride; and his grandson Henry Stout.
In lieu of flowers, college fund donations for his only grandson Henry Stout and can be sent c/o Jenny Stout, P.O. Box 374, Grantham, NH 03753.
There will be no public calling hours. A memorial service will be held Sunday February 2, 2020, at 2 p.m. at the North Pomfret Congregational Church with Reverend Amanda Swoyer officiating.
The Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea is in charge of arrangements. A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www. Boardwayandcilley.com.