The Town of Colchester mourns the passing of another resident who was dedicated to Town service.
Richard “Dick” Paquette, a pillar of our community, recently passed away. Dick epitomized volunteerism and service to the Town: he was a member of the Colchester Selectboard and a School Board member for 20 years and a member of the Planning Commission for four years. He brought extensive experience, a sound work ethic, and a love for his community to all of his positions and served our citizens well. Dick literally gave his life’s blood for the well being of others, donating over 60 gallons to the American Red Cross.
Dick was instrumental in the formation of a number of local organizations that assist businesses in Vermont today. His father started Shadow Cross Farm 76 years ago and Dick worked with him, eventually taking on the family business. A quintessential Vermonter, Dick always had a warm smile and handshake for his customers and friends. Following the family tradition, his son Richard Paquette worked alongside him at Shadow Cross and Richard will continue on, although we’re sure everyone in at the egg farm will miss the family’s patriarch, as will so many in the town.
Dick told WCAX in a 2013 “Super Senior” segment that it was the people he met through work and his volunteer efforts that kept him going. He instilled his love for Colchester in his children and grandchildren: Richard serves on the Planning Commission; granddaughter Traci is employed in the Clerk’s and Assessor’s offices.
This is Colchester’s third loss of a dedicated community volunteer since mid-October; Joyce Sweeney left us last month and Stephen Wark passed last week. All of them will be sorely missed.