Richard I. Pike Jr.

Bradford, VT – Richard I. Pike Jr. 58, passed away May 10th, 2023 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, after a 22 month battle with cancer, with his brother Mark by his side. Richard (Rick/Rich) was born in Woodsville, NH to Richard I. Pike Sr., and Sandra J. (Cotey) Pike. Richard was a lifelong resident of Bradford, VT. In his elementary school days, he enjoyed playing Little League Baseball on the Green Hornets. He graduated from Oxbow High School in 1982. After graduation, Richard attended one semester at Vermont Technical College for Drafting before he returned to the Colatina Bakery. He started at the bakery in high school, and remained a full-time employee for 41 years until it closed in 2021. At the time of his death, Richard was employed by the Town of Bradford (VT) as the Facilities Manager. He took great pride in taking care of the Historical Bradford Academy Building and meeting the many groups of people who came to the BA on a daily basis. A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He even bagged a moose weighing over 550 lbs! He loved spending hours at the shooting range and built his own elaborate reloading room in his home. In addition to being an outdoorsman, he was an avid fan of antique cars, tractors, and aviation shows. He had a fondness for the Arts, attending many local shows at Court Street Arts, Bradford Academy, and the former Middle Earth. Additionally, he often traveled to Canada to attend Irish-Celtic music and dance performances. Although a reserved person, Richard was willing to go out of his way to help anyone who needed it. He didn’t care who you were or where you were from – if you needed help, he was there to help whether asked or not. His priority in life was to his family first. That was always clear and no one could ever question this. He loved attending family events and cookouts. Richard is survived by his father, Richard Sr., and brother, Mark both of Bradford, VT. He is predeceased by his Mother, Sandra (July 2015), parental grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins. At Richard’s wishes there will be no services – a gathering may happen later in the summer for those who would like to share a memory. If you wish to make a donation in Richard’s memory – donations may be mailed to: The Bradford Historical Society, P.O. Box 424, Bradford, VT 0503 Arrangements were in the care of the Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain, Bradford.

Tributes

Richard I. Pike Jr.

December 28, 1964 - May 10, 2023