OAKLAND, ME--Richard (Dick) Lippert, 67, of Oakland, ME passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 4, 2015, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, ME, with his family by his side. Dick was born in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Elroy and Elda (Schroer) Lippert. He graduated from Danube High School in Minnesota. He attended Willmar State Junior College and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dick came to Maine in 1970, to work for the Westinghouse Repair Division in Augusta, where he met his wife, Vernie Potter. In 1980, he went to work for SD Warren/Sappi in Skowhegan, ME as an Operations Manager where he worked for 23 years. After retiring, he continued to serve as a consultant for Sappi for several years, while also starting D&V Services doing home and yard work. Dick was a “jack of all trades”. He was always tinkering, repairing, redesigning, or building equipment. Nothing could be thrown away until he had at least attempted to repair it. “Grampa could fix anything”. Growing up as a farm boy, he never lost the love of being outside and playing on his tractor or digging in the dirt. He had a deep love for his family and was proud of his children and grandchildren. He beamed with pride at each of their accomplishments. His six year old grandson sums it up with: “Grampa was a good guy”. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Vernie; son Wade Lippert and wife Heather; daughter Kristy Knight and husband Jim; daughter Sara Flanagan and husband Nick; grandchildren Lucy-Ellen Lippert, Deanna and Gabe Knight, and Eve Flanagan; brother Jim Lippert and wife Carol; brother Dave Lippert and partner Lisa Ryan; brother Ken Lippert and wife Lori; sister Carol Laumer; sister Jan Cornwell; sister Arlyce Severson and husband Scott; sister Linda Thorseth and husband Maynard; father-in-law and mother-in-law Buster and Midgie Potter; brother-in-law Joe Potter and wife Angie; sister-in-law Belinda Burke and husband Mike; an uncle; aunts; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father and mother; brothers-in-law Elroy Laumer and Curt Cornwell; a nephew and great niece. A gathering of family and friends will take place Thursday, September 10, 2015, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Lawry Brothers-Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland, ME. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, September 11, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 60 Eustis Parkway, Waterville, ME