Topsham-Elmer R. Richards, age 83 of Western Ave., passed away Sunday, March 13th at Mid Coast Senior Health Center in Brunswick. He was born July 16, 1927 the son of Theodore J. and Lillian M. Reiman Richards in Brunswick at the family farm on Maine St. He was educated in Brunswick Schools and left High School to join the military including the Navy from 1944 to 1948. On November 19, 1949 he married Frances Pina and they settled in Brunswick having twin daughters, Christine and Cynthia. From 1948 to 1952 he worked as an electrician at Attleboro Steam, from 1952 to 1971 as a lineman for Central Maine Power, and from 1971 to 1978 as a master electrician self-employed at Richards Electric. He also worked in air conditioning and refrigeration. From 1978 to 1981 he worked as a maintenance mechanic at Brunswick Naval Air Station, and from 1981 on, he was self-employed. Elmer enjoyed watching sports on television, especially the New England Patriots, and playing golf. While growing up on the family farm, he took care of many animals including his 2 horses and his dogs. He was a family man and an excellent handyman, always tinkering around the house especially with mechanical things. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Frances Richards of Topsham, 2 daughters Christine Carlson and her husband Cory of Reno, NV and Cynthia Richards of Durham, a sister Joan Dolian of MA and a granddaughter Catrina Carlson of Reno, NV. Funeral services will be private. Burial with military honors at Riverside Cemetery in Brunswick will be held in the spring. Donations in his memory may be made to Community Health and Nursing Services Memorial Fund(CHANS), 60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011. Arrangements are by Stetson's Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick, where memorial condolences may be expressed and a video tribute viewed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com