MERRILL - Richard A. Crandall, 60, passed away May 15, 2008, at his home. He was surrounded by his family, when he came to a quiet rest after a two-year battle with cancer. Richard was born Feb. 24, 1948, to Bill and Norma "Peg" Crandall. He graduated from Oakfield High School and then served his country in the U.S. Army, completing two tours of duty in Vietnam as a combat crew chief with the 101st Airborne Division, Screaming Eagles.

He was a member of American Legion Post No. 52, VFW Post No. 9429 and Disabled American Veterans' Chapter No. 22.

Richard worked in hardware retail for most of his adult life and owned Crandall's Hardware, East Millinocket, for the past 15 years. He loved the business and the community around it. He was especially happy to have his children involved with the store.

Richard spent many years volunteering for the Boy Scouts of America as a den leader for Pack 202, committee member for Troop 202 and unit commissioner for the Katahdin Area Council. He had a great time going on many camping trips with Andrew and all the gang. Richard also enjoyed bowling with the Wildcats at Birch Point, going to NASCAR races.

Loraine and Richard, May 2006, Charlotte, NC, at the Coca Cola 600 Nascar race

and following the N.Y. Yankees, as their biggest fan. Richard's greatest joy was time spent with his children, and they feel so blessed to have had a dad who was so good, so loving and so giving.

Richard is survived by his wife of 35 years, Loraine Boutilier Crandall; and their three children, Susan Crandall and her husband, Eric Fletty, Katie Crandall and her husband, Thomas Liba and Andrew Crandall; brothers, Ross Crandall and his wife, Sally, Clair Crandall and his wife, Karen; sister, Rebecca and her husband, Steve Graham, Cindy Brawn, Norma Jo Crandall and Sarah and her husband, Brian Suitter; mother-in-law, Kathleen Boutilier; sister-in-law, Karen Kennedy and her husband, Roland; and brother-in-law, Everett Boutilier and his wife, Sandy. He will be dearly missed by an extended family of relatives, friends, co-workers; and the family pets, Francie, Abbey and Lily. Richard was predeceased by his parents; his brother, William; his grandparents, Charlie and Ruby Shields, Abel Crandall, and Geneva and Walter Burton; and his father-in-law, Everett Boutilier. BURIAL at Oakfield Cemetery, Oakfield, Maine.