Columbus, OH — Richard Alan “Rick” Flanders, 71, died Oct. 3, 2023, at The University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born Nov. 18, 1951, in Exeter, N.H., son of the late Hebert W. Flanders Sr. and Eva (Landry) Flanders.

Mr. Flanders grew up and lived his younger days in Hampton Falls and attended Winnicunent High School.

From the young age of 11 and the mentoring of Eddie Gilman, his 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 seven days a week training and driving his horses. He also was a talented blacksmith.

Mr. Flanders  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 he got older his love for harness racing increased. Fourteen years ago he 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 six years he 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 is survived by his loving partner of 31 years, Sue Stetson; daughters and their partners, Cheryl Lynn Willis (Rob), Kimberly Ann Flanders Lopez (Jay), and Amy (Michael); grandchildren Tyler, Brianna, Louis, Morgan and Ricky; great-grandchild, Cole Jeremiah Elderkin; step-children, Kenneth and Sarah, and their children, Garrett, Gwen, Madison and Maya; siblings and their spouses, Herbert W. Jr. (Margaret), Rebecca Fenstermaker (Alan), Bruce (Sue) and Peter (Annette), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a niece, Ella.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday (Oct. 11) from 3-7 p.m. at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St., Exeter, N.H. A graveside service will be held on Saturday (Oct. 14) at 11 a.m. at the Wildwood Cemetery, Seabrook, N.H.

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