Richard Arthur Empie

Richard Arthur Empie, 66 Richard Arthur Empie, 66, of Holbrook Avenue, North Attleboro, passed on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Philip Hulitar Hospice Inpatient Center in Providence, Rhode Island surrounded by his loving family following a courageous and valiant battle with cancer for the past six years. He was the husband of Claire A. (Proulx) Empie to whom he married on June 19, 1982. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts on November 14, 1944, he was the son of the late Clayton W. Empie and Mona B. (Whitehouse) Empie. He was raised and educated in Shrewsbury and was a resident of North Attleboro for the past 25 years. Richard was a retired Quality Control Supervisor in the fiber optic industry. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army National Guard having served from his induction on June 28, 1963 to his honorable discharge on February 2, 1967. Richard felt most at home surrounded by nature or in the company of friends and loved ones sharing stories and spreading joy through laughter. Hunting, fly fishing, and fly tying were some of his favorite pastimes. He was the innovator of over 100 fly patterns, and many of his designs are featured in Rainys Fly Catalogue and at Bass Pro Shops. He was a past president of the New England Fly Tyers, a longstanding member of the Cross Road Anglers, Rhode Flyroders, North American Fly Fishing Club, and the N.R.A. Richard was also a talented guitarist and skilled archer in his younger days having earned several archery tournament championship titles. Richard also enjoyed photography and writing and was a past member of the New England Press Association. Some of his articles were published in On the Water Magazine and hundreds of his photographs have been published in newspapers and magazines locally and nationally. Richard volunteered as an assistant Little League Coach in his younger days and volunteered at the North Attleboro Federal Fish Hatchery for many years on both the salmon and shad restoration projects. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him, and forever remembered as a loving husband, father, brother and friend. In addition to his wife of 29 years, he leaves a son: Todd W. Empie of North Attleboro; a sister: Pamela J. Empie of Shrewsbury as well as many cousins and many dear friends whom he regarded as extended family; all of whom have been forever touched by his strong spirit, wit, knowledge, generosity and love. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a memorial visitation on Friday, April 29, 2011 from 6:00 8:00 PM in the Memorial Chapel of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left) Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Those in need of a ride to visitation may simply call (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis local transportation. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory are requested to the American Cancer Society - Greater Attleboro Area Relay for Life, Team Stars and Stripes, striving to become a step closer to a cure. Donations may be forwarded to the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, North Attleboro, MA 02760 and should be payable to the American Cancer Society. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book located on the internet at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are entrusted to the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.