Richard Douglas Ramsdell

Richard Douglas Ramsdell, 93, of Sun City, Las Vegas passed away on May 29th, 2020 after a brief illness. He leaves behind a loving family, students, friends and his faithful Maine Coon cat 'Sebastian.'

Born in Winchester, MA on October 14, 1926, Richard was the youngest of six. Artist and teacher, he began to draw at just four years young, enjoyed singing, playing the piano and the performing arts.  Like many brave souls of his age, Richard left high school in January 1945, his senior year, to serve his country as an aviation radioman in the United States Navy. Richard was recognized at Wakefield High School's commencement along with the 20 members of the class of 1945 already in the US Armed Forces.

Richard earned a B.S. in Education from Massachusetts College of Art in 1950 and began his passion for teaching in the public school system.  During this time, he earned a Masters in Art Education at the Boston State Teachers College and spent most of his 34 years enlightening and inspiring students as a director in the Quincy Public School system.

Richard and his life-long partner Leonard Anderson attended college together, beginning a journey of creativity and joy in life.  'Dick and Andy' were devoted sons, caring for aging parents while working full time. They owned and operated a lovely vacation lodge "Stag Holm" on Lake Sunapee, NH for 25 years, were avid downhill skiers, showed prize winning Cocker Spaniels, built a successful dog portrait business, raised many cats and entertained guests with gourmet meals, lively piano music and song.

Richard and Andy moved to Lake Havasu City to be closer to brother Robert and his family, then on to Sun City in Las Vegas in 1994, designing their beautiful golf course home on Crown Ridge.  After Andy's passing in 1997 Richard chose to rejuvenate and return to teaching.  "There's so much to life, I choose to be positive and live life, enjoy friends and be active" he told his great niece while recounting his journey.

“My teaching is the highlight of my life. I have gotten a great deal of satisfaction from teaching. I enjoy working with people who want to learn."  For over 20 years he shared his gifts with the residents of Sun City. A signature member of the Nevada Watercolor Society and frequent contributor, his vibrant watercolor of 'The Gathering' won best in show at the Western Federation Watercolor Society in 2006. His work can be seen featured in the internationally published 'The Creative Edge' by Mary Todd Beam.

His 'Talking Machines' series depicting the building of Sun City's new fire station 107 toured Summerlin libraries throughout 2013. 24 expressive abstracts colorfully tell the story from their own point of view. One of which can be seen hanging in the station. He was later recognized by Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Stavros Anthony who proclaimed April 21, 2014 as ‘Richard Ramsdell Day’ for his many contributions to the Summerlin community.

Please remember Richard in your own way - on a morning walk, enjoying coffee with his buddies, playing the piano, teaching students how to 'see’ the imago ignota, the unknown image in our mind’s eye as we appreciate beauty and express our creativity. His talents, caring and colorful life leave us all better for having known him.

Desert Memorial will ensure interment at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Best Friends Animal Society at bestfriends.org or Infinity Hospice Foundation at infinityhospicecare.com.