Richard Beauchemin

Richard “Rick” Beauchemin, 69, of Manchester, CT and Parrish, FL walked into the sunset with sand between his toes on January 31, 2014. The beach was a large part of Rick’s life from childhood vacations in Old Saybrook, CT to exploring lighthouses and taking walks at Siesta Key Beach, FL. He was born in Hartford, CT on April 28, 1944 to the late Helen A. and Emile L. Beauchemin. He married the love of his life, Linda (Calef) Beauchemin, over 45 years ago, on August 17, 1968. Together they enjoyed traveling to Australia, Egypt, Holland, France, England and other exciting places; photographing their life’s adventures along the way.

Rick graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1962 and took pride in serving in the Navy from 1962 to 1966. He then went on to graduate from UCONN and worked at Aetna for over 20 years. He explored different careers by attending the Connecticut Culinary Institute which sparked his love for gourmet cuisine. Finally, he fulfilled a lifelong goal of becoming a nurse by graduating from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1992 and working at St. Francis Hospital, Visiting Nurses Association and Metlife. Rick was a reliable and hardworking employee, who delayed retirement because of his passion for his profession. He was also proud of finishing the NYC Marathon in 1986. Rick will be remembered best for his love of spending quality time with his wife, children, grandchildren, the family cats and his blipper (TV remote). He also enjoyed participating in a neighborhood wine club and Aetna men’s club.

His spirit will live on in his three daughters, Denise Coleman and husband Scott of Haddam, CT; Diane Beauchemin of Brooklyn, NY and Amy Beauchemin of South Windsor, CT. His love and kindness will always be remembered by his three grandchildren; Andrew, Shane and Jenna.

He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his siblings, Anne-Marie Calhoun of Palmetto, FL; Michael Beauchemin and his wife Patricia of Nebo, NC; Robert Beauchemin and his wife Karen of West Yarmouth, MA and Susan Perron of Manchester, CT as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. He was predeceased by brother-in-laws Robert Calhoun and Roger Perron, Sr. and godson Bryan Beauchemin.

Rick did not want a typical somber wake and funeral. Instead a Celebration of Life gathering will occur on February 22, 2014 at 10:00 am at Keeney Hall, 200 Main St, Wethersfield, CT. Friends and family are encouraged to stay for lunch at 12:00 pm. He believed that medicine and scientists are discovering miracles every day. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lung Cancer Research Foundation at www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org.