BELFAST – Richard Loring Pickering died on Jan. 30, 2022 at his home in Belfast, after a period of declining health.

Dick was born in Salem, Mass. to John and Ruth (Benson) Pickering, the youngest of siblings John, Tim, Henry and “Bunty.” He grew up in Middleton, Mass. and spent summers sailing and fishing in Ogunquit. He attended the Brooks School and Trinity College after which he attended the Army Language School in Monterey, Calif. There he met Jane Bowler and they were married at “Hillside” in Plymouth, Mass., in 1961.

Dick and Jane began their life together at independent schools – the Rectory School in Pomfret, Conn. and Lawrence Academy in Groton, Mass. – but eventually moved to Kennebunkport where Dick began a new career with Tom’s of Maine, then owned Cape Hardware store, Cape Floor Refinishers, and Meadowside Antiques. In mid-life, they moved to Waldoboro, and then to Damariscotta Lake in Jefferson where they frequently hosted their extended family at the lake and became dedicated members at St. Giles Episcopal Church. They spent winters in Apalachicola, Fla. where they were faithful members of Trinity Episcopal Church.

When Jane developed dementia, they moved to Belfast and Dick was a loving and patient caregiver. In Belfast, Dick volunteered to support unhoused people in Waldo County and served at the Belfast soup kitchen. Dick’s final project was to turn his front lawn into an English cottage garden that was featured in the 2021 Belfast Garden Club tour.

Dick will be remembered for his passion for gardens, birds, and boats; his curiosity and love of learning; his bridge and pool game; his quiet faith; and his devotion to Jane, his children, and his extended family and friends.

He is survived by daughter, Tina of Concord, N.H., son, Richard, of Saco and son, Nathan of Belfast, and like-a-son, Brian Harris of Portland, along with their spouses and children; as well as many dear nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Kennebunk on Saturday, April 9 at 11 a.m. Attendees in person should be vaccinated and wear masks. There will also be a livestream.

Contributions in Dick’s memory may be given to the Belfast Soup Kitchen or

St. Giles Episcopal Church in Jefferson.

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