THOMASTON — Richard P. Thibodeau, 63, died peacefully Jan. 12, 2014 at his home, following a courageous battle with a long illness.

Born in Lebanon, N.H., Dec. 28, 1950, he was the son of Romeo and Beatrice Leno Thibodeau. Growing up in Lebanon, he attended Sacred Heart School and later graduated from Lebanon High School in 1968. Following high school, Dick attended Plymouth State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1972.

For most of his career Dick was employed with the Franconia Inn as a bar tender and customer service associate.

After meeting his best friend and partner, Marcia Van Buskirk, the two spent several years traveling between Maine and New Hampshire to visit each other. In October 2011, Dick made the move to Maine permanently.

Always active, Dick enjoyed playing cribbage with his brother-in-law, golfing and playing pool. Marcia remembered he was always the life of the party and loved to go out dancing, especially at the Salt Bay Café in Lebanon, or Cannon Mountain View in Franconia. Getting together with good friends at the Samoset for a drink around the fire, engaging in conversation and listening to music was a favorite pastime.

He was an avid Boston sports fan, and never missed a game, especially his beloved Red Sox.

Dick took great pride in his home in Littleton, N.H. He loved spending time mowing the yard and caring for the property. Living in the mountains brought him great joy; however he always said how amazed he was at the beauty of Midcoast Maine.

Together with Marcia he enjoyed kite flying and spending special times together at the water. She remembered their annual trip on Mother's Day to the seashore, where they would release flowers in memory of their mothers.

Dick was a hearty soul, with a big heart who loved life. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Predeceased by his parents, and a brother Mark Leno; Dick is survived by his partner, Marcia Van Buskirk of Thomaston, dog Daisy, and cat Wizard; his siblings, Jim Thibodeau and his wife, Marylou, of Germany and Deborah Borry of Lebanon, N.H.; a nephew, Mike Borry; a niece, Lisa Brown and her husband, Michael, and their daughter, Lily; his partner’s children, Kim Flaherty and her children, and Melinda Fowles and her children; his partner’s siblings and their spouses, Marie and David Rawley, Janet and Gene Drinkwater, and Scott and Heather Van Buskirk and their families; and special friends, Gail Robinson and Connie Pritchard.

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, Jan. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. On a date to be determined there will be a gathering in Lebanon, N.H., for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.