Richard Truman Ives was born on May 1, 1943, in Northampton MA, to Philip and

Dorothy Ives, and grew up on a small family farm in South Amherst, MA. He

always loved working with his family and neighboring farmers, baling hay and

raising animals. This led him to pursue an Associate's Degree in Animal Science

at UMass’s Stockbridge School.

He married high school (Amherst Regional, class of 1961) sweetheart Donna Grow

in 1964. They moved to Doylestown, PA where he earned a BS in Dairy

Husbandry at Delaware Valley University in 1967.

Richard’s first job was as the manager of Yale’s Research Farm, working primarily

with sheep. Later he worked as a land surveyor and for a road and bridge

construction product company. He worked for A.H. Harris and Sons, a

construction supply company, in New Britian CT for 25 years.

Richard and Donna bought a house in Bethany, CT and raised 3 children there. He

was an active member of the First Church of Christ, Congregational and served as

a trustee, treasurer for 30 years, moderator, and was an enthusiastic member of the

choir and Men’s Club.

Richard and Donna enjoyed Scottish country dancing for many years and were

members of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Richard’s mother, of

Scottish descent, had a Kennedy clan kilt made for him, and he was proud when

wearing the entire outfit at dances and annual Robbie Burns Nights.

After retirement in 2010 and moving to Spring Hill, FL, Richard became active in

the Spring Hill United Church of Christ, again singing in the choir, in Men’s Club,

plus the Stewardship Team. He was the Assistant Financial Secretary.

His favorite activity was the weekly visit to son Jonathan’s farm, 25 acres in

Summerfield, FL, where his tractor “Redgie” resided. He considered himself the

farm manager and spent long hours on the phone advising Jonathan on the care of

the Angus herd, fields, fences and farm equipment.

In addition to his wife, Donna, survivors include children and grandchildren:

Jonathan (Sara), Matthew and Daniel; Emily Ziac (Joshua), Christopher and

Catherine; Andrew Ives, Tyler and Gregory. Also his siblings: Elinor Goff,

Donald Ives (Sally) and Carolyn Dingman, a niece and a nephew.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Spring Hill UCC Memorial Fund would be appreciated. - https://shucc.org/giving%2Fstewardship