Richard Oden

December 7, 1936 - March 7, 2025

Age 88, after succumbing to Alzheimer's disease. Richard will always be remembered for his generosity, sense of adventure, strong work ethic, commitment to family values, and strength of will. He was a loving husband, father, papa, brother, and friend.

Rick lived life to its fullest and valued prioritizing his health and well-being. He was a man who never hesitated to initiate a conversation with a stranger or extend an invitation into his world, whether it was with a firm handshake or a warm-hearted hug.

Rick was born in Pasadena to Richard Few Sr and Dorothy Oden. He attended Pasadena City College, where he met Patricia Ann Ewan, his wife of 64 years. After two years at PCC, he transferred to his beloved University of Southern California, obtaining a degree in zoology. He and Patty married in 1960 in San Gabriel. Upon returning from an East Coast honeymoon, they headed to Fort Monmouth for military basic training before relocating to White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, where he continued his service with the Army until 1962.

Rick's 40-year career started in California at the Los Angeles Health Department and Pitman-Moore Company, where he was a district sales manager. In 1973, he accepted a position as product manager at Dow Chemical Company, which took him and his family to Indiana for eight years. He was then promoted to regional sales manager for Marion Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals in 1980 and relocated to New Jersey.

He and Patty resided in New Jersey until 1999, when they retired to their home in Vermont. Wherever Rick visited or called home, he established, built, and maintained lifelong friendships with neighbors and community members while investing in the local culture and traditions.

Outside of work, Rick never hesitated to volunteer his time and services with Meals on Wheels, Junior Achievement, Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America and Little League coaching. He served his faith by being a steward for Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis, Grace Episcopal Church in Madison, and St John's Episcopal Church in Stowe, where he served as a warden.

Rick was a true family man, and he worked hard to ensure that his family was well taken care of and had opportunities to enjoy life. He enjoyed the simple things - Sunday family drives after church; long walks with his many dog companions; and cheering on his children's and grandchildren's various sporting and school events. Rick also loved his family vacations, favorites being the many camping trips around the country and relaxing in Holden Beach, North Carolina, a tradition that would last 35 years.

Rick had many outside interests, including skiing; tennis; golfing; body surfing; snowshoeing; playing cards, games and puzzles; working on his cars; crafting model airplanes; tackling various house projects; or just sitting on the porch enjoying a beer. His only overindulgences in life were a generous helping of ice cream or a Dunkin' donut.

Rick is preceded in death by his beloved Patty and his survived by his brother, Robert Oden (Vi); daughter Caroline Wiegand (Kevin); son Stephen; son John (Christine); and his five grandchildren.

Stowe Reporter, March 27, 2025