RUSSELL-Richard A. Arbour of Russell, MA passed away in the comfort of his own home April 20, 2018 after a long but well fought battle with cancer. Rick was a loving and loyal Husband to Cindy, his wife of 39 years and a proud and supporting father to his two sons Alex and Chris.
From a humble background, Rick grew up in a struggling family in East Longmeadow and graduated from East Longmeadow High School in 1972. Proving to be capable, resourceful, and hardworking, he then built his way up from nothing, working full time while attending night classes, and eventually started and operated his own information technology business with his partner, Cheryl. After many years he retired from operating his business and moved into a technical writer position where he was able to enjoy more time for his hobbies.
A man of endless talents, but to name a few, Rick possessed a mastery of photography that many believe is unsurpassed, wrote and published two books, and enjoyed singing/songwriting and playing guitar. An avid outdoorsman from a young age he also loved all activities that brought him in touch with nature. He was a lover of animals, always had canine companions, and even found a few cats he liked.
A highly intelligent man, Rick possessed a keen intellect, but never looked down on anyone, and a unique but always present sense of humor. Always willing to help friends and family, he would optimistically lend a hand (unless it involved plumbing). Though he needed to vent every so often like we all do, not once did he ever complain about the struggles or pain that accompanied life’s great challenges, even in his final years. In those moments he would grit his teeth and say “Never let them see you sweat”.
Rick Arbour leaves behind his wife Cindy, his two sons Alex and Chris and their fiancés Peggy and Lezette, his sister Cindy Smaldone and her husband Dan and their childrenDan and Jessi, as well as many good friends. He will be sorely missed.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a period of visitation on Sunday, April 29, 2018 from 1:00-3:00PM at Avalon Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services, LLC 691 College Highway, Southwick, MA. To express condolences, share memories or photos please visit Richard’s memorial page at www.avaloncelebrations.com
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation in honor of Richard to the Corey J. Garwacki Foundation, P.O. Box 484, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 (www.cjgfoundation.com) or the Wingmasters Raptor Rehabilitator, 34 Long Hill Rd., Leverett, MA 01054
