Richard (Dick) L. Lawson Sr.

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Richard (Dick) L. Lawson Sr. 85 of Westmoreland and formerly of Clifton Springs, N.Y. and Exeter, R.I. died on Sunday, May 17, 2015 in the comfort of his home. He passed peacefully after a brief period of declining health with his family near.

Richard was born the son of the late of Alice (Stallman) and Albert Lawson on April 3, 1930 in Providence, R.I. He was educated in Rhode Island and graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

On June 16, 1951 he exchanged vows with Anna Derjue. They were married at the St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Providence with family and friends in attendance. They have been married for almost sixty four years.

He was a life long dairy farmer, starting with his herd in Exeter, R.I. He then moved on to Westmoreland, NH. where he established Rich-Wal Farms with his brother-in-law. He established a Holstein herd known for its excellent bloodlines and sold cattle to countries all over the world. He was considered an innovator in farming being the first in the region to do rotational grazing, install a milking parlor, utilize low till seeding and grow small grains. He later moved to Clifton Springs, N.Y. and established Lawson Farms with his son. Being a farmer, he really never retired.

Dick enjoyed the farmers life. He always had a dog at his side. He was a family man who enjoyed mentoring and watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. He was a founding member of the Keene Youth Hockey Club and played in the men’s league for many years. He was a member of the New Hampshire Governors Agriculture Advisory Council and chaired the Westmoreland Zoning Board and the Budget Committee for many years. In later years he captained his boat on Seneca Lake, N.Y. and spent many summer evenings on the lake or enjoying the comradery of fellow boaters at the docks.

Mr. Lawson is survived by his wife Anna D. Lawson of Westmoreland. His children and their spouses; Susan Lawson-Kelleher and her husband Peter of Chesterfield, NH. Lauren Bressettand her husband David of Westmoreland, NH. Richard Lawson Jr. and his wife Laura of Clifton Springs, N.Y. and Karen Dougherty of Westmoreland, NH. His Grandchildren; Diana Stetson and her husband Zach of Westmoreland, NH. Adam Bressett and his wife Erin of Chesterfield, NH. Alan Bressett and his wife Pam of Westmoreland, NH. Bethany Wichland and her husband Ben of Keene, NH. Tyler Kelleher of Dover, NH. Jeremy Kelleher of Chesterfield, NH. Kathryn Lawson of Clifton Springs, N.Y. Richard Lawson III of Clifton Springs, N.Y. Shannon Dougherty of Westmoreland, NH. and Derek Dougherty of Westmoreland, NH. Great grandchildren; Marisa Stetson, Hannah Stetson, Kasey Bressett, Aleigha Bressett, Elijah Bressett, Camden Bressett, Adelaide Wichland and Finley Wichland. In addition he leaves cousins, extended family and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 11am. in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03341. Burial will follow in the family lot at South Village Cemetery, Glebe Rd. Westmoreland, NH. 03467. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Richard L. Lawson Sr. to: Pilots N Paws, 4651 Howe Rd. Landrum, S.C. 29356. All services are under the direction of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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