Richard (Dick) Thomas Rivard, age 85 passed away from complications of cancer peacefully on April 16, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones, at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

Dick was born March 26th, 1939 in Newport, VT.  He was the son of the late Emile and Flossie (Cargill) Rivard.  He was the oldest of four siblings.

Dick went to Newport High School and was an outstanding athlete. He played football, basketball, and was an avid skier.  The first general manager of Jay Peak, Walter Foeger, who was formerly a coach for the Spanish Olympic Ski Team, was so impressed with their talents that he sent Dick and his brother David to Europe where they ski raced for a Winter, something Dick always cherished.

Dick married Shirley Ann Kelley on August 24th, 1963. They were married for 55 years and raised a beautiful family.

After graduating from Champlain College in 1961, Dick worked at the Vermont Sunday News in advertising in Burlington, VT.  He then went to work at the Newport Daily Express in advertising.  He became the general manager at the Newport Daily Express and later on became the Publisher.  When the newspaper was bought by Scripps League Newspaper he was promoted to the East Coast Regional Manager while maintaining Publisher and continued in this capacity until his retirement in 2006.

Dick was also co-owner with Gilles Blais of the Do Drop N Inc., selling and installing swimming pools and tennis courts throughout the Northeast Kingdom.

Dick loved the outdoors and enjoyed snowmobiling, baseball, basketball, cross country skiing, walking and snowshoeing with his family, downhill skiing, hunting and fishing with his brothers and nephews, and spending time at the family pool and working around his house.

Dick could not get enough of the game of golf.  He loved to golf with his friends and family.  He was instrumental in teaching the game of golf to his children and grandchildren.  He was a longtime member of Newport Country Club.  His passing on the opening day of NCC is fitting.

Dick loved his grandchildren.  He called them often to see how they were doing and was never happier than when they visited.  He enjoyed watching dance recitals and attending sporting events which included hockey, golf, baseball, basketball.soccer, and field hockey. He was his grandchildren's biggest supporter.  This became one of the most important things in his life.

Richard is predeceased by his wife Shirley, sister Kathryn Rivard, brother David Rivard, and nephew Marc Rivard.  He is survived by his sons Todd Rivard and wife Bobby Jo of Newport, VT Troy Rivard and partner Debbie Barry of Essex Junction, daughter Kelley Goulet and husband Chris of Derby, brother Paul Rivard and wife Diane of Lunenburg.  He has six grandchildren, Katie and Lauryn Goulet, Morgan, Bode, Megan, and Mackenzie Rivard.  He also leaves several nieces and nephews, his sister in laws Nancy Sisson, Lillian Kelley, Diane Rivard and brother in law Larry Sisson.

Friends may call from 12:30 until the hour of the service at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday May 4, 2024 at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road Derby, with Rev. Laurence Wall officiating. A reception will follow at the The Miller's Run Pub, located at the Newport Country Club. If friends desire, memorial contributions in Richard's name may be made to the NCC Jr. Golf, C/O ARK CPA Group, 375 East Main Street, Newport, VT 05855 or the Mary Wright Halo Foundation, 1073 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, VT 05855. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.