Richard Omand, a lifelong resident of Strafford, NH, passed away on Saturday, May 16th, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital after a long struggle with Parkinsons. He was 81.

Richard was the son of Robert (Bob) Omand and Bernice (Follansbee) Omand and grew up with his three sisters and three brothers at Twin Maple Farm on Province Road. Richard attended Austin Cate Academy in Center Strafford and served a tour in the Army before returning to attend New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, NH.

He was happiest working on challenging and complex projects at Strafford Machine, which he founded in the 1980s with his brother Kerry. He operated the machine shop, unwilling to retire, until he was about 78.

Richard was best known for best known for his dry sense of humor, and his talent for practical jokes and playing elaborate pranks on his friends and family (mostly harmless). He was known as a local Mr. Fixit, able to repair machinery and make custom replacement parts for customers and friends who appeared at the Machine Shop on Province Road.

He was astonishingly prone to accidents and injuries but seemed to have (at least) nine lives, resulting in endless family stories. Richard had a soft spot for animals, rescuing kittens and hummingbirds and escorting giant snapping turtles across the road. As his daughters were growing up, they quickly learned an appreciation for nature and the outdoors–and tiny pocket-sized snakes.

Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Charlene Potter Omand, daughter Kelly Omand, daughter Jennifer Omand, and son-in-law Matthew Talbot. He is also survived by his sister Anne and her husband Bruce Smith, sister Merrilyn and her husband Roger San Soucie, brother Steven Omand and wife Susan, brother Kerry Omand and wife Sharon, and Joan Omand, widow of brother Rob, as well as his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Bernice, his brother Rob and sister Elizabeth.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on July 5th, in Center Strafford. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or to the American Cancer Foundation.