Richard Glen Wilson
White River Junction, VT – Richard “Rick” Glen Wilson, 71, died December 10, 2025, at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH, following complications related to Parkinson’s disease.
Rick was born on October 4, 1954, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to Dell and Kathleen (Cluchey) Wilson. His early years were shaped by frequent moves, 18 in total before graduating high school, living in Eudora, Kansas, and throughout the Midwest. His family eventually settled in New Hampshire, where he graduated from Manchester West High School in Manchester. He later moved to Vermont, where he made his home.
Cars were a central part of Rick’s life. He learned to drive at an early age, earning his license at just 14 while growing up in farm country in Kansas. He spent much of his career as a mechanic before transitioning into his role as a service logistics coordinator for Irving Energy, where he worked until retirement. Known for his dependability and strong work ethic, Rick found fulfillment in a life lived with order, predictability, and everything in its place.
Rick had a lifelong love of sports and competition. He played slow pitch softball and fast pitch baseball well into his 50s. Some of his favorite memories came from softball tournaments with friends, including an adventure that earned him the nickname “Wilt.” He also enjoyed deer hunting, bird hunting, fishing, and skiing, which for him were as much about being outdoors as they were about spending time with his son.
Above all, Rick cherished time with friends and family. He held many fond memories from time spent at AJ’s Restaurant and was known as someone who always kept his door open. Many of his son’s friends found in Rick a steady, caring presence and a place to land whenever they needed one. A simple, content, and grounded man, he appreciated life’s quieter pleasures, including Sunday drives, the Red Sox, and his favorite westerns.
Rick is survived by his son, Garrett, and wife Emily of White River; his beloved grandchildren, Emmett and Ellie; his siblings, Angela Aspen of Virginia, Greg Wilson of Virginia, and Debbra Mapes of Texas; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in the online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in Rick’s memory. Donations can be made online at:
https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout
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