Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-01-22

Mr.. Day in his remarks said in sub
stance:


1t is beitting that words spoken at this time
should be both few and simple few. because it
could not be expected that any new thing could
be told of the revered friend whose life has so
long been an open book, known and read by all
who loved him and whom he loved. He has lived
out a fully rounded life. his years reaching back
To the second decade OF the century and to the
date or organization Of the oldest church in the
East village; and, while marked by energetic ac-
tlvity and wide range, found quiet and fitting
end IN the home where his heart ALWAYS rested
and surrounded by the children whose loving care
snoothed his path until he left them. There may
be. however. this use in dwelling briefly upon
some traits of his character that it to keep
more definite m memory the influences of his
life which may help US on, now that We have him
no more. one was impressed, as much as by
anything IN Mr.. Richardson, perhaps by his sim
phClty, naturalness. freshness. He man of
the clear, keen breezes and bright sunshine: an
OUT doors man. of Rindly humor of quick in
terest IN the local life about him. Of sympthy with
the festivals and innocent pleasures of the people
Of genuine human kindness, genial, warm heart
ed, good man to have about in hard and de-
pressing times. But his was no idle good nature;
he was worker, tireless, brave and steady all his
life The picture Of him taken in the working
smOck, with the strong keen face and clear glance
above il, is markedly characteristics: he would
have chosen to BE- so remembered.
He was man Of unusual ability, in farsighted
judgment and tenacious power choosing wisely
the path OF honest and straightforward methods,
together with undaunted industry and courage
IN coping with obstacles, which won HIM success
ana commented him TO his townsmen for their
repeated gift of confidence and public trust. The
best of all was that he was a man of absolute in
tegrity and all men knew it; a worthy example
for younger men; one who could swear to his
own hurt and change not; a type Of man whose
crystal clear uprightness makes him shining
light in times and under temptations like ours.
He was also man of reverence and faith, con
slant wOrshiper at church. to whom the twenty.
third Psalm was beautiful hymn" and who
bowed humbly before his God in his last days, in
the words and spirit of the Lords prayer.
Yet, as including these things, and putting a
crown upon them were one asked to say what,
after all, best describes him-what really consti-
tuted his true life neighbor. friend and servant
Of God it would surely be this. be was "A man of
great and tender heart, whose loyalty and loving
ministry, some times almost womany in its deli
caCy, and always like a sure and safe foundation
for his home, those who belong to that inner cir
Gle best know. But il was a warmh- eartedness
that revealed itself in many an act of kindness,
many an account allowed TO wait till easier
day for pay yment, many considerate act for the
poor, unknown and uncounted He was man of
Home, He loved his home, worked for it, cher
lshed it, was father, counsellor and comforter in
il, in all successes and sorrows. His last of the
many successive family reunions, was on Thanks
giving day; the children and grandchildren came
together because he wanted it; but il a sad
day and a hard parting for him. after all. He
well knew that I'VE but strangers here"
that heaven is our home;' but the breakngs
up here that make that home possible are not
easy and were not for him. He passed away in
full possession of his faculties, and almost in the
very moment Of tine tender arrangements for his
comfort by his beloved sons, who have been per-
mltted TO take the care of their father from the
first of his being shut up to the very last He
died without an enemy, at peace with God and
man.