Whitney William Richards

Whitney William Richards of South Portland, 78, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at Maine Medical Center surrounded by his family. Whitney known as â€œBillâ€ was born July 12, 1934 to Whitney and Katherine (Ginny) Richards in Cazenovia, New York, the oldest of six children. He graduated from Cazenovia High School and went on to study at Syracuse University and SUNY at Morrisville. He served in the United States Marine Corps. After college, Bill began a long career in the computer industry when asthma prevented him from pursuing a career in the family business as a dairy farmer. Bill was a computer genius. He was able to build a computer from the ground up and solve many of its issues even in his sleep. His knowledge and skills in the field were the basis for many of todayâ€™s computer systems. Bill began his career with Burroughs Computer Company in New York and was recruited by Casco Bank in the 1960s as their Vice President of Finance and Computer Systems. During his time at Casco, he designed the first online banking system in the state of Maine. He retired as President of First Pay Company ( a branch of Casco Bank) in 1993. As a retiree, he worked as a transport aide in the Recovery Room at Maine Medical Center and brought many smiles to his patients and co-workers. Bill was an avid gardener and had some of the most coveted roses in South Portland. He grew test roses for Jackson and Perkins and cross bred many of his own varieties. He enjoyed walking, reading, feeding the birds and squirrels; and his cats. He could be found watching the Red Sox or Patriots on television or sideline in his lawn chair watching his two grandsons play baseball, football and soccer. Bill was always be remembered and loved for his dry wit, infectious sense of humor and smile. Bill is survived by his wife, Rita and his stepsons Matt and Shawn Clark; his daughter Norine Seymour and his grandsons Cameron and Trevor; his other children William, Michael, and Nancy Richards; brothers Marvin and Robert; sisters Marvel (Kay) and Vilma. He is predeceased by his parents, sister Patricia, and son Gregory Richards. A graveside service will be held June 8, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Highland Memorial Cemetery in South Portland with a reception to follow for family and friends. Online condolences can be expressed at www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com