Richard E. Hankinson died at home early December 22, 2018 surrounded by his family after serious illnesses culminating in hospice care. He was born July 11, 1944 in Willimantic, CT, the son of Denzel J. and Clarinda E. (Winegar) Hankinson.

During his young childhood, Dick also lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Texas before his family settled in Leverett and established the Hankinson Farm in 1951.

Dick graduated from Amherst Regional High School and attended Western New England College. In high school he played French horn with the school band and orchestra, and was active in Boy Scouts. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War working in power plants in England and Turkey. Dick was a long-time fleet manager at Mackin Construction Co. of Greenfield.

In 1985, Dick took ownership of the Leverett farm where he expanded the repertoire of animals. Over his many years, he was a passionate and caring owner of Hereford cows, a donkey, chickens, spring pigs, goats, dogs, cats, and an occasional sheep. He was an ardent steward of the land and forest, having spent many seasons curtailing invasive species and restoring native vegetation.

He was known for his generosity and wicked, droll wit. To Dick there were no strangers, just friends he hadn’t yet met. He was a member of the Leverett Congregational Church where he served as a deacon, trustee, and council member, and was integral in keeping the buildings functioning. He was a gifted musician, anchoring the tenor section of the church choir and sang in the Springfield Symphony Chorus. He also played a variety of instruments including the trumpet and harmonica, his favorites.

Dick is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years Mary (Wadsworth) Hankinson, daughter Sarah E. Hankinson and son-in-law James P. Wells of Vermont. He is also survived by brothers Denzel G. (Frances) and Thomas R. (Susan), as well as sisters Judith H. Ricker (Harold) and Nancy H. Paulin (Charles) all of Leverett; sister-in-law Nancy D. Hankinson of Rhode Island; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Denzel and Clarinda Hankinson, and his brother James A. Hankinson.

Calling hours will be held at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, December 28, with a funeral service at the Leverett Congregational Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, reception to follow. Private interment will be at the Leverett New North Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Leverett Congregational Church at PO Box 324, Leverett, MA 01054 or Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice at 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, MA 01060 as a thank you for their kind and comforting care.