(MyKeeneNow) – Richard Dale Stinson, 80, of Keene, died Aug. 18 in Sarasota, FL surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Keene, Oct. 6, 1943, son of Elmer and Annie (Miller) Stinson. He graduated from Keene High School in 1961.

Richard married Joan (Jardine) on Nov. 9, 1963. They were married for 60 years. Their union brought four children, 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and several well-loved dachshunds.

Richard earned a living wearing many hats. He owned several businesses, D&W Auto Sales, and Aero Seal & Paving Co. He also managed Speedway Petroleum in Keene. He was an industrious man with many skills that he used to provide a great life with Joan. Together they enjoyed a comfortable retirement, wintering in Ft. Myers, FL for 17 fun-filled years.

Car racing was Richard’s passion. In his younger years, he built and raced stock cars in the Claremont and Winchester circuits. Richard also loved to dance. He was President of Monadnock Squares in the 1990s, square dancing and enjoying life with Joan. Beyond his square dancing years, he never missed an opportunity to dance.

Richard was a West Swanzey Fire Department member, a state-certified firefighter serving as a lieutenant and captain. He was also a Swanzey Rescue Squad member as a nationally registered EMT.

Remaining to cherish Richard’s memory are his spouse, Joan Stinson; children, Laurie Stinson-Wagner and her husband, Gerald Wagner, Jeffrey Stinson and his wife, Beatriz, Kevin Stinson and his wife, Denise, and Lynn Stinson; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; six siblings and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court St., Keene. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. at Foley Funeral Home followed by a committal in the Oak Hill Cemetery, 1 Railroad St., West Swanzey.

Foley Funeral Home of Keene is entrusted with Richard’s care. To leave a memory or send the family condolences, visit www.foleyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations on Richard’s Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Tribute Page http://act.alz.org/goto/RichardStinson.