Richard “Dick” E. Whippie, 86, a lifelong resident of Winchester, NH, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Friday, October 20, 2023, with the love of family by his side.
Dick was born to the late Muriel W. (Frizzell) and George L. Whippie on July 28, 1937, in Keene. He was educated locally at Thayer High School in Winchester, class of 1955. After high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force.
On July 1, 1961, Richard exchanged vows with the love of his life, Marion L. Heddle. They had a simple service at the First Unitarian Church in Providence, RI, and honeymooned on Martha’s Vineyard then moved into the family farm on Stone Mountain Road in Winchester. Their first child, Keith David, arrived in July 1962, followed by Kevan Douglas in 1964 and Kay Dee in 1966. During these years, Richard worked at Markem Corporation, the Winchester Highway Department, the Hinsdale Racetrack, and the United States Post Office, becoming a letter carrier and, eventually, the local postmaster of Winchester, NH. He also cut and sold firewood, caned chairs, and tended an ever-expanding vegetable garden.
Richard was an avid and skilled horseshoe pitcher and card player, and he participated for many years in the local church choir. In his later years, he played baritone in the Winchester Community Band, and participated in Tuba Christmas annually. Richard joined Kiwanis and spent forty years as a member, participating in countless child-focused activities to benefit local children, while enjoying the camaraderie and friendship of the members. Richard enjoyed working with his hands and completed many renovations and additions to the family home. When he became a grandfather in 1989, he discovered a new joy in building wooden children’s toys.
Dick’s last years were hampered by several medical conditions. A stroke in 2013 limited his vision and precluded driving, and he experienced hearing loss that made the telephone difficult. He enjoyed time spent with friends and his growing family, often demonstrating a deft touch with young grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard was a good man, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Mr. Whippie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marion Whippie of Winchester, their three children, Keith D. Whippie of Winchester, Kevan D. Whippie and wife, Carole of Winchester, and Kay D. Iturralde and husband, Trinidad of Derry, NH. Dick is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Brian Whippie, Santina Tinkham, Heather Palmer, David Whippie, Stephen Whippie, Reina Becker, Ian Whippie, Rachel Whippie and Edward Whippie, twelve great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Richard is predeceased by his parents, and his four siblings: Theodore G. Whippie, Clifford R. Whippie, Linwood J. Whippie, and Joyce W. Sawyer.
Calling hours will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, October 27, 2023, in the Cheshire Family Funeral Home, 46 South Winchester St, Swanzey, NH. 03446. A funeral service will take place at 10:00am on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the United Church of Winchester, 99 Main St, Winchester, NH. 03470. A burial is to follow at 11:00am at the Evergreen Cemetery, 60 Forest
Lake Rd, Winchester, NH. 03470. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made to the United Church of Winchester in Winchester, NH.
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, Swanzey. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
