Richard C. Barnaby, 59
Was dedicated to the game of baseball

WESTMINSTER - Richard C. Barnaby, 59, of 113 Ellis Road, a former long-time resident of Leominster and Townsend, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007, at Henry Heywood Memorial Hospital, Gardner after being stricken ill earlier that day.

He was born in Fitchburg on Sept. 3, 1948, the son of the late Chester A. and Lucille T. (Jeffrey) Barnaby and resided many years in Leominster before moving to Westminster three years ago. He grew up in Townsend and was a 1966 graduate of North Middlesex Regional High School in Townsend.

Following his graduation from high school, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Vietnam. During his tour, he and his company were near the city of Tay Ninh and they came under a significant and aggressive enemy attack. Following this battle, Dick was recognized for "outstanding meritorious service in the protection and defense of his fellow soldiers" and was awarded the Bronze Star.

For 35 years, he worked as a foreman for the Sani-Tank Company in Leominster, retiring in 2005.

Dick was an outstanding golfer. In 1967 he won the club championship at Monsoosnock Club in Leominster, which he was not a member of at that time. He subsequently joined Monoosnock Country Club and has been a member there for many years.

He loved the game of baseball. He played for many years and coached for many more years in the Leominster Little League and Babe Ruth programs. Starting in 1997, he played an instrumental part in the return of the American Legion Baseball program to Leominster. He became the program's president in 1997 and as of today still holds the position. Over the years, Dick contributed further to the quality of the baseball programs by caring for Leominster's baseball fields.

Dick is survived by his wife of 28 years, Janice T. (Joseph) Barnaby; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Keith and Chabrie Barnaby, Richard and Kelly Barnaby all of Leominster, and Kevin Barnaby of Westminster; a daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Jorge Gende of Holden; three brothers, Alan Barnaby of Townsend, Stephen Barnaby of Tennessee and James Barnaby of Pepperell; and six grandchildren, Travis Gaudet, Keith Barnaby Jr., Tyler Gaudet, Emma Barnaby, Abigail Barnaby, Gracie Gende and Joel Gende. He was the brother of the late Chester Barnaby, of Townsend, who died in 2000.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chester A. Barnaby Memorial Fund for Youth Sports and Cancer Research, 23 Jewett St., Pepperell, MA 01463.

T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home directed arrangements.