Richard Atwood

BENNINGTON- Richard James “Tweety” Atwood, 78, of Bennington, died in his home, on Thursday, July 18. Mr. Atwood was born in Bennington on January 12, 1941 to Forrest and Florence Mould Atwood.  A childhood battle with meningitis left Atwood with permanent damage to his legs. While his doctor predicted that he would never walk again, Mr. Atwood defied the odds and went on to become an enthusiastic outdoors man.
Mr. Atwood’s interests were diverse and included hunting, fishing, rappelling, caving, dowsing, bird watching, collecting ginseng, photography, and so much more. He was an avid reader of both fact and fiction and, for his own pleasure, studied many topics such as history, geology, astronomy, and various cultures. He was a trekkie, who attended Star Trek conventions, and a Tolkienist, who often wrote  letters to friends or family in dwarvish runes. He was a self-taught naturalist and botanist. Atwood took special pleasure in passing along his knowledge to others. His appreciation of music may have been as diverse as his other interests, but he had a particular affinity for Irish folk music. He was  eccentric and witty, extremely bright, a great storyteller and an empathetic,  kind, and loving man. He has touched the lives of many people of all ages and he will be deeply missed.
Mr. Atwood is survived by his daughter Tessa M. Atwood, of Wilmington, her husband Gary F. King and their children, Sawyer and Garrison King; as well as his nephew James  Atwood, of Hoosick Falls, NY; and niece Susan Freeman, of Shaftsbury, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David F. Atwood.
As Mr. Atwood’s 60th class reunion from Bennington High School  is scheduled for August, the family intends to hold a celebration of his life to coincide with that event, the details of which are to be announced. For information regarding said event contact Tessa Atwood.
In lieu of flowers contributions toward the celebration of life and toward the  cleanup of his residence may be sent c/o Tessa Atwood, 57 Ray Hill Road, Wilmington, VT 05363.

The Deerfield Valley News

797 VT Route 100 North
Wilmington, VT 05363

Phone: 802-464-3388
Fax: 802-464-7255

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