Richard E. Davidson Jr. ... enjoyed reading; at 71

DOVER - Richard E. Davidson Jr., 71, died on July 7, 2021, after struggling for more than a decade with C.O.P.D. He was a treasured husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend and we all miss him tremendously. He was born on September 17, 1949 in Newport, RI, to Richard E. Davidson and Thelma G. Goddard. Richard was one of three children. Richards's middle sister Sally Jo Davidson Pierce of Milford, Mass., predeceases him. Richard's oldest Sister Sharon Marston, of Medway Mass., survives him.
Richard graduated from Bellingham Memorial High School in Bellingham, Mass., in 1967 at the age of 17. Richard came from a long line of seamen. His Father, Richard Sr."Dick" was in the Navy and was buried at sea with military honors in 1971. The Davidson family came from Scotland and landed in Calais and So. Portland Maine and founded Davidson Boat Yard. Richard felt a calling to build ships as well and after high school he attended Calhoon MEBA Engineering School in Baltimore, Md. He went to sea as a 3rd Engineer (aka second assistant engineer) for 3 years with the US Merchant Marines. His time with Farrell Lines and Moore McCormack provided Richard with sea year tours to Central and South America, Senegal, British Guinea, Angola, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Azores. His passion was sailing. Richard was granted a 1-S waiver from the draft to the Vietnam War due to his college enrollment. Richard went on to attain a degree in Computer Science in the 1980's as well.
Richard took tremendous pride in his two children, a Daughter, Tracy A. Davidson Howe, the "Apple of My Eye" and his Son, Joshua R. Davidson, "My Boy". Josh tragically passed away 4 years ago.
Over the years Richard reinvented himself, evolving from mechanical engineer to computer specialist. He has worn hats as a seaman, mechanic, facilities manager, plant manager, and most recently before retirement he was self-employed as a computer network design and installation specialist and repair technician. Davidson Computer Services, which was first located in Hampton, and then in Dover, had a loyal Seacoast client base until his retirement due to declining health.
Richard has always had a voracious appetite for reading and never stopped seeking self-actualization. Richard reveled in his high IQ and insatiable need to learn. He was a MENSA member for most of his life. Richard loved chess, crossword puzzles, and historical documentaries. He played competitive billiards, was a day trader in the US stock market for years for fun, and was always up on current news and politics. Richard has always had the need for speed and has had a nice collection of cars and motorcycles over the years and even a stint at motocross racing. Richard spent much of his life on a quest to reach the highest levels of himself, his mind, and enlightenment through Transcendental Meditation.
Richard attributes his "life saving" to Alcoholics Anonymous and has been in recovery since 1990. Richard also owes AA for allowing him to meet his current wife Diane R. DeSilva Davidson; they married on September 29, 2019. The two have been sharing their life, enjoying retirement and take great pleasure in their grandchildren for the past 11 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and Richard is currently beyond in physical and mental peace with his beautiful Son Joshua by his side again. They are playing ball with his cherished and loyal dogs from the years, Taffy, Zachary, Astro, Sandy, and most special to him Molly.
Richard is survived by his wife Diane R. DeSilva Davidson, his Daughter Tracy A. Davidson Howe and her Husband Charles "Steve" Howe and their children Paxton J. Howe 21 and Chase R. Howe 18 of Barrington, NH. Richard is also survived by his Niece Cori Pierce and her Son Lazarus Pierce of Kennebunk, Maine, and his elder Sister Sharon (mentioned above).