Richard Arnold Lea

Richard Arnold Lea was born in Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada on December 2, 1954. He was the only son born to Edgar R. Lea and Shirley Arnold Lea. His four sisters and their families survive him. His family immigrated to the U.S.A. northeast in his childhood. He graduated from Princeton High School, Princeton, NJ. In his late teens and early twenties, Richard did underground mining work at the St. Joseph Minerals Company in Balmat, NY. Most of his adult life, Richard worked as a large mining equipment mechanic He traveled to countries in South America, to China, to India and to Thailand for his work. Before the days of GPS, Richard could find his way quickly around any city: Even such cities of Bangkok and Shanghi, with a good city map. He had particularly interesting stories to tell about his experiences in these countries. His description of Chinese rural culture was particularly perceptive and astute. He had friends in all walks of life and could always find subjects of conversation that engaged most everyone. He had a soft-spoken and gentle nature. He was always willing to help friends out with small engine repair, car, snowplowing and the like. He was never happier than when he had a specific project to keep himself occupied. He had a longstanding interest in the NRA and was quite the gun collector through the years. He was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast and enjoyed an uninterrupted cup of coffee with the daily paper early every morning. The members of his Saturday morning breakfast club were particularly important to him. He was a man who chose to live simply. He had very few "wants" in his life and was very humble about the diverse experiences and observations he was privileged to have and to make. His sisters and their families will surly remember him fondly for the many kindnesses that were shown to them over the years. His friends will remember him fondly as well. Private remembrances will occur.