Richard Hale , 75, of St. Johnsbury, died with his family by his side Wednesday, April 20, 2006, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in St. Johnsbury on Jan. 18, 1931, the son of O. Dean and Jennie (Cassidy) Hale. Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jeanne (129 Green St. 05819); five sons, David and his wife Lyric of Chicago, John of St. Johnsbury, Jimmy of Philadelphia, Gary of West Burke, and Stephen of New York; a sister, Eleanor Roy of St. Johnsbury; a brother, John and his wife Jeannine of Barnet; five grandchildren, Curt and his wife Yoko of North Danville, Meghan of St. Johnsbury, Adam of St. Johnsbury, Jennie of Chicago, and Erin of Chicago; and three stepgrandchildren, Harmony, Devin and Aria. Richard was an outstanding athlete while attending St. Johnsbury Academy where he graduated in 1949. He then went on to study at the North Hampton Business College before returning to St. Johnsbury to assist his father in running O. Dean Hale, a men's clothing and sporting goods store previously located in the Hale Building on Main St. Richard eventually purchased the business which he and his wife Jeanne ran as a men's and ladies' clothing store until 1981. Richard continued his career in men's clothing at Caplan's Army Store where he had been employed for the past 20 years. Richard had a great love for the outdoors and was an avid skier and golfer. In 1959 he won the President's Cup tournament at St. Johnsbury Country Club. He especially enjoyed spending time at his camp on Jobs Pond in Westmore, but his true passion was with his artwork. Richard was a wonderful watercolor painter and even won multiple blue ribbons at the Caledonia County Fair. He also enjoyed touching people's lives through his self-made greeting cards, a hobby in which he took exceptional pride. Above all else Richard was a loving father, grandfather and devoted husband. He touched the lives of those who knew him, whether they be a family member, friend, or customer, and his presence will be greatly missed by many. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, April 24, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home Sunday from 5-8 p.m. Donations in Richard's memory may be made to the "American Cancer Society." Please mail these memorials by June 8, in time for the Relay For Life event at St. Johnsbury Academy, to: The Club at Old Mill, Attn: Stephanie Davis, 49 Perkins St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.