Richard E. Cartier, 80

ASHBURNHAM - Richard Elphege Cartier, 80, of Sand Hill Road, Peterborough, N.H., died on Aug. 16, 2006, at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, N.H.

Mr. Cartier was born on Sept. 3, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Blanche (Proulx) and Elphege Cartier and grew up in Haverhill, Mass.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he became the youngest commissioned officer at that time (World War II). After the war, he began his career in the oil business with Esso (now Exxon/Mobil). He served as vice president and general manager of Hampshire Oil Company in Laconia, N.H., from 1960 to 1965, and as president of Wilson Oil Company in Leominster, from 1965 to 1977.

In 1975 he founded Peterborough Oil Company and Mr. Mike's Convenience Stores and was owner and chairman of the board at the time of his death. In 2001 he was honored as Oil Marketer of the Year by the Independent Oil Marketers Association of New England.

An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, boating and sailing.

He was an avid skier and also played tennis and golf. Talented with his hands, he engaged in building projects, home renovations, furniture building and restoration, and antique car restoration.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Louise (Bullock) Cartier; three daughters, Linda Hart of Sharon, N.H.; Carol Cartier of Peaks Island, Maine; Cynthia Petersen of Ashburnham; his sister Louise Lavigne of Windham, N.H.; and 10 grandchildren.