Richard L. Dandeneau

Richard Laurent Dandeneau, 87, of Madison, NH passed away at Memorial Hospital in North Conway, NH on Wednesday, May 29 of a sudden illness. Richard was born in 1936 in Berlin, NH and spent his younger years there surrounded by an extended loving family and enjoying hunting in the North Woods. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, working on jet plane radar systems in Goose Bay Labrador and Sioux City, Iowa for 4 years. After the Air Force, he worked for the FAA installing radar equipment throughout the western states. Richard then enrolled at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he met his wife Carol, and he graduated with a BA in Sociology. They married in Chicago on November 26, 1966, and remained loving spouses for the next 57 years. After moving back east with Carol to New Hampshire, Richard became a Social Worker for the State of New Hampshire and for the next 11 years he advocated for abused and neglected children. His effect has been demonstrated by him still receiving phone calls of love and gratitude from former clients. He and Carol enjoyed biking and hiking, and climbed all the 4,000 footers in NH. They bought a farmhouse in Madison in 1970 and started their family. Richard and Carol sold the farm in 1978 and bought Frye’s Store in Center Conway, working tirelessly to turn it into a thriving business, Rich’s work ethic was demonstrated by regular 100 hour work weeks and the fact he would take only Christmas day off for the next 7 years. The store was eventually sold and a new house was built on a pond in Madison where he enjoyed the beauty and serenity for many years, and he continued his favorite pastime of upland bird hunting. Richard and Carol then bought Flowerland Florist in Conway. It was sold in 1993, and Richard was able to focus on his business as co-owner of Upland Firearms importing fine shotguns, hunting and training his beloved sporting dogs, and their new hobby of kayaking and kayak camping. Richard continued his desire for helping children by working as a case manager and in direct care at Lakeview Rehabilitation, a facility for children and adults who had suffered brain injuries. He worked there until his retirement. His later years saw him focusing on his interests of hunting, kayaking, camping, and spending time with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. He lived a long and fulfilling life, enriching those around him, and we are all grateful for the time we had with such a good man. Richard is survived by his wife Carol (Pontious), brother Roger, of Milan, sons Andre and wife Tyla, Justin and wife Michelle, and Marc, and grandchildren Mason, Allie, Alex, Jessica, Miles, and Lucas, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald. His family meant everything to him, and Rich was always very proud of his French/Canadian heritage. Visiting hours will be held at Furber and White Funeral Home on Sunday, June 9th from 2-4. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make a donation to Granite State Children’s Alliance: https://cac-nh.org or a charity of your choice that provides food for hungry children.