Madawaska — Richard “Dick” Deschenes, 86, of Madawaska, Maine, passed away peacefully at Country Village on September 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 13, 1940, in Edmundston, New Brunswick. Dick was a devoted father and cherished grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, welcoming nature and unmistakable smile. Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea. He later served as a Game Warden and on the Madawaska Police Force before spending many years with the United States Postal Service, where he became Postmaster. He loved people, adventure and a good story. Over the years, motorcycle riders traveling through Madawaska on Four Corners journeys often stopped to meet Dick. He welcomed them warmly, photographed them at the post office and proudly displayed their pictures. Inspired by those riders, Dick took an adventure of his own, bicycling approximately 4,800 miles from California to Madawaska while pulling a tiny trailer with a tent. That journey reflected so much of whom he was—independent, determined, adventurous and never afraid to take the road less traveled. He continued to enjoy biking, nature and the outdoors throughout his life. Dick was also an avid card player who loved the laughter and companionship around the table—and he certainly didn’t let anyone win. His competitive spirit was part of the fun. More than anything, Dick will be remembered for his generous heart and the way he made people feel welcome and cared for. His life was marked by service, family, friendship, adventure and a genuine love for people. His stories and adventures will live on, as will the memory of his beautiful smile. Dick is survived by his three daughters, Lee (Brett) Flickner of Folsom, California; Elaine (Brian) Thibeault of Madawaska, Maine; and Danielle (Steven) Knighton of Tempe, Arizona; and his former wife and longtime friend, Jeannette Violette. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christian, Danielle, Nicholas, Curtis, Aaron, Travis, Brianne, Sam, Alex and Josh; step-granddaughters Erika and Karlee; ten great-grandchildren; and siblings Mike (Joyce) Dechaine, Joe (Marlene) Dechaine Jr., Roger Dechaine, Diane Daigle and Terry (Norman) Lagasse. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Ellis Dechaine, sister Rinette Cyr and brother Gerald “Toby” Deschaine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, October 30 at St. Thomas Church, Madawaska. Burial will be at the parish cemetery. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visiting hours or receiving line. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madawaska Four Corners Park Association, PO Box 261, Madawaska, ME 04756.