Richard Topham

MEREDITH --- Richard Lee "Dick" Topham, 86, formerly of Plymouth and Campton, NH, passed away in Meredith, NH, surrounded by family on April 8, 2025, after a brief illness.

Richard was born the first child and only son to Arnold Lee Topham and Dorothea Cann Topham on May 22, 1938, in Eddington, ME. He spent his early years in Maine until the family moved to Plymouth, NH, when he was about seven years old. He then attended the Plymouth schools until his high school years when he transferred and later graduated from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH.

Soon after graduation, Richard moved to Manchester, NH, where he attended Manchester Technical School. During his time in Manchester, he taught ballroom dancing at the local Arthur Murray dance studio where he met his future wife, Patricia. They danced together throughout the years until her death in January of 2018.

Richard had so many wonderful talents. There was nothing he couldn’t build. Throughout the years he had several businesses, but his absolute favorite was his home building business. He was building “green” homes before it was even a thing. As he was approaching retirement, he shifted from being a home building contractor to finish carpentry jobs and home remodels. His talent for building custom staircases, custom cabinets and special design requests was second to none.

He had many hobbies throughout his life. Skiing was his favorite thing to do when he was younger. He taught his sisters and all his children to ski. Later in life he enjoyed making furniture, marksmanship with his collection of pistols and the delicate practice of building his own ammunition.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia and his sons, Mark Topham and Gavel Topham. He is survived by his sisters, Susan Monier (David) and Camilla Topham; daughter, Kim Mayhew (Jack); son, Christopher (Christine); grandsons, Matthew Van (Ashleigh) and Peter Mayhew (Victoria); great grandson, Aiden Van; and several nieces and nephews.

As per Richard's wishes, there will be no service at this time.

A special thank you to the staff at Concord Hospital Laconia, Golden View Care Facility and the Lakes Region Visiting Nurses hospice staff for your care and kindness.

Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.