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On Sept. 24 Richard (Dick) Regan, loving husband and father of five children, passed away at the age of 81 from complications of a stroke. Dick was born on June 27, 1938, in New Haven to Joseph and Julia (Dillon) Regan, immigrants from Ireland. A lifelong learner and educator, he had a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, a masters in education from Fairfield University, and a second masters in education from University of Pennsylvania. He taught the children of Madison about the joys of chemistry for 31 years before retiring in 1994. He continued to share his gifts with student teachers at Connecticut College for seven more years before fully retiring.

Dick had a generous heart, serving as a volunteer firefighter with the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company for 35 years, where among other contributions he led the firehouse building renovation project beginning in 2001. His service continued as he retired in Harpswell, Maine. He volunteered with the Orr’s & Bailey Islands Fire Department, and coordinated its annual silent auction for several years. He served on the committee that founded Harpswell Aging at Home, and then helped establish the home repairs program. He also worked with the Friends of Peary’s Eagle Island, leading their Trail Day for several years.

Dick had a deep love for the outdoors, which he shared with his family, friends, and community. He was an avid cyclist, at one point averaging 2,000 miles a year and even turning his wife, Helen, into a cyclist. They shared a joint love of bird watching, planning trips to locations like the Dry Tortugas to see the great migrations.

He co-led an Explorer post with the BSA (now the Venturing program), leading youth on camping, canoeing, and backpacking trips. He also co-led outdoor education experiences for Madison high school students. When he retired to Maine, he spent several years working part-time at L.L. Bean, a Regan favorite brand.

Dick exposed generations of children, including his children and grandchildren, to backpacking, camping, hiking, and cycling. He will be remembered for his love, his thoughtfulness, his infectious laughter (especially when forming blockades during a game of Parcheesi), and the lessons he taught us all. He is survived by his wife Helen, his five children, Patrick, Julie, Allison, Brendan, and Katie; six grandchildren; and his brother Joe and his family.

A remembrance will be held Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. at the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Fairfield University, North Madison Volunteer Fire Company, or Harpswell Aging at Home.