Richard Eldon Townes
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Richard Eldon Townes, 66, of Weare passed away on April 19th after a 7-year battle with early onset Alzheimer's. He grew up in Weare and attended Weare Schools. He worked mostly with his father Eldon for EJ Townes + Son Construction for several years, then ran it for several years as Townes Excavation Corp. with his son Eldon.
He raced snowmobiles with his Uncle Roy, and in 1979 he won the USSA World Series. He was a driver with his dad for the Sassy Massey pulling tractor, and they also raced mini sprint cars.
He loved to coach his 4 sons, and other kids in soccer and basketball, and camping with them. He then became an avid bicyclist. Surprise- he raced those too! He and Lynda participated in several of the 24-hour mountain bike races. In 2007, they completed a cross country ride from Oregon to New Hampshire.
Rick is survived by his mother Carol Townes of Punta Gorda, Florida, his wife of 38 years, Lynda, four sons, Eldon and Kristy Townes of Weare, Ryan Townes of Manchester, Scott and Juliana Townes of Weare, and Bradley Townes and Johanna Eaton of Weare, 5 beautiful grandchildren- Eldon III, Leighton, Loralee, Aubrey and Lexi. He is also survived by his sister Sue Hutchison of Weare, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Eldon and his sister Julie Steele.
There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday May 7 from 11:00am - 3pm at Pats Peak in Henniker. A short service will begin at 11:30am. For more information or to sign an online guestbook please visit www.frenchandrising.com