Richard Moulton Boardman, 82, a longtime active member of the community passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at his home on Hewins Street. Born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts on August 25, 1933, he was the son of Edgar and Eleanor Moulton Boardman. He graduated from the former Sheffield High School, class of 1952, and then attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass. Mr. Boardman operated the family dairy farm in Sheffield from 1943 - 1957. He continued to raise turkeys, white faced Hereford beef cattle, chickens, sheep and pigs through the year 2000. Starting in 1957 Richard along with his wife Carolann opened and began operating Boardman's Farm Stand. Together they planted corn, fruits, and a variety of vegetables. They grew their own pumpkins to sell at the farm stand and then would line the driveway with them every October to welcome their customers. The farm stand has been past down to their son and two grandchildren who are proudly carrying on the family tradition. He started a catering service along with his family and together they catered may Boy Scout events, as well as numerous weddings and other special events. As an avid outdoorsman Richard enjoyed hunting and deep sea fishing. Eating fried clams and lobsters on trips to Cape Cod were high on his list of "to do's". Whenever time allowed he would relax in front of the TV to watch his favorite sports teams, the Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics. Many summers were proudly spent working with his grandkids by his side to maintain various properties in South County. A constant over the years was the presence of one of his faithful golden retrievers riding along in his truck or out in the fields. Each one was named "Pal"; his most recent companion was Pal #5. He owned the Mt. Everett Service Station where he sold Dodge cars and trucks. Previously he had worked for Dwight Ford Garage selling and servicing International farm equipment, US Fiber in Lee and serviced Agri-Mark Trucks Canaan, Ct. Richard was dedicated to the town he lived in and worked tirelessly for them for over 40 years. He was the Town of Sheffield's Animal Inspector, the Dog Officer; he served on the Board of Health and was a former Selectman. He was a member of the Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years, retiring in 1968 but still active as a retired member driving trucks in the parades and serving coffee at their annual Pancake Breakfast. He was also a member of the Sheffield Sporting Club, Berkshire Grown as well as the Knights of Columbus. Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Carolann Olsen whom he married in 1955 at Christ Church Episcopal in Sheffield, along with five children, (all of Sheffield) daughters Debra Ann Beham and husband Robert (Bob), Carolyn Marie Ullrich and husband Robert (Tony), Judith Eleanor Ullrich and husband John (Johnny) and one son Richard Allen Boardman and his wife the former Sandra Carlson. He also leaves his brother, Philip C. Boardman and his sister, Phyllis H. Joyce both of Sheffield, as well as 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren He was predeceased by his daughter Cynthia Ellen Boardman (1961-1978) and his brother Edgar Shears Boardman. Per his wishes there will be a celebration of his life on their family farm at 64 Hewins Street, Sheffield, MA on Sunday, September 27th from 2p.m. until 6p.m. Donations in Richard's memory may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society, Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad or the Sheffield Volunteer Hose Company #1 through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, Inc., 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family or sign the guestbook go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
