Harness racing community mourns Richard Flanders

Richard Alan Flanders, also fondly known as “Rick”, 71, passed away on October 3, 2023 at The University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT surrounded by his loved ones. He was born November 18, 1951 in Exeter, NH, son of the late Hebert W. Flanders Sr. and Eva (Landry) Flanders.

Rick grew up and lived his younger days in Hampton Falls NH & attended Winnicunent High School. From the young age of 11 and the mentoring of Eddie Gilman, Rick’s love for horses and harness racing began. At age 16 he acquired his harness racing driving license. As an adult you could find him at the track 7 days a week training and driving his horses. He also was a talented blacksmith. Rick lived in numerous places all over the United States moving wherever the races took him. He won many races and awards throughout his career. As Rick got older his love for harness racing increased. 14 years ago Rick retired from driving horses, although being retired did not mean he would leave the industry. Instead he decided to get his license to become a starter for harness racing working at Scarborough Downs and Plainridge Park Casino.

For the past 6 years Rick had resided in East Wallingford VT with his partner, Sue Stetson. He loved sitting outside in his rocking chair admiring the beauty of the outdoors. He will be greatly missed.

He is predeceased by his parents and a niece, Ella Flanders.

He is survived by his loving partner of 31 years, Sue Stetson, his 3 daughters and their partners, Cheryl Lynn Willis and Rob, Kimberly Ann Flanders Lopez and Jay, and Amy Flanders and Michael, his 5 grandchildren Tyler, Brianna, Louis, Morgan and Ricky, one great-grandchild, Cole Jeremiah Elderkin, 2 step-children Kenneth and Sarah, and their kids Garrett, Gwen, Madison and Maya, 4 siblings and their spouses, brother, Herbert W. Flanders Jr. and Margaret, sister, Rebecca Fenstermaker and Alan, brother Bruce Flanders and Sue, and brother, Peter Flanders and Annette, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St., Exeter, NH.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October, 14 at 11AM at the Wildwood Cemetery, Seabrook NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation donations can be mailed to Harness Horse Youth Foundation, 2711 Friar Truck Road, Anderson, IN 46013 or made online at https://hhyf.org/donations/.

For more information, visit www.brewittfuneralhome.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard , please visit our floral store.

From Brewitt Funeral Home