Richard James Haggis

Richard "Dick" James Haggis, 82, of Newport, RI passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 8, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Dorothy (Cowles) Haggis. They celebrated 53 years of marriage last August.Born in Providence on July 8, 1934, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Helen (Lynch) Haggis. He moved to Newport when he was five years old and grew up in the "Fifth Ward." He attended Newport Public Schools, and graduated from Rogers High School in 1952. After graduation, Dick worked for the City of Newport for four years. He began working at Newport Electric Corporation/National Grid in 1956. He began as a helper in the Line Department, became a lineman, and later became a line foreman, a job he held for many years. During this time he was very active in the union and he became a union official of Local 335 Brotherhood of Utility Workers and a National Counsel Representative, holding a dual office. He was the arbiter of the the Line Department for several years, during which he was an active participant in contract negotiations. In 1989, Dick was promoted to a management position as the General Foreman of the Line Department. He later became Supervisor of the the Overhead and Underground and Transmissions. He retired in 1995 after 39 years of service. Dick was a communicant of Saint Mary's Church in Newport. Every Christmas, he enjoyed decorating the church for Christmas, hanging the wreaths and laurel, which became a Christmas tradition for him. He also loved to golf and was a member of Wanametonomy Country Club, and later Green Valley Country Club, where he played golf with family and friends. In the winter, he enjoyed vacationing and golfing in Naples, Florida with his wife and family, as well as friends from Newport. Dick was an avid reader and numerous times a week could be found at the Newport Public Library or local book store. He was also a longtime member of Gooseberry Beach.His family and home were very important to Dick. He was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed family gatherings with his wife and their three children, their spouses, and his eight grandchildren. He was very proud of his family and all of their accomplishments. His grandchildren loved and admired their "Papa". In addition to his wife, Dottie, he leaves his three children, Richard J. Haggis, Jr. of Newport, RI, Kimberly H. Claytor and her husband, Nathan, of Portsmouth, RI, and Kristen H. Gunn, and her husband, Brian, of Darien, CT. He leaves eight grandchildren, Kylie, Tanner, and Ava Haggis, Henry and Christian Claytor, and Aidan, Hannah, and Patrick Gunn. He was predeceased by his infant granddaughter, Genevieve Mae Claytor. Dick also leaves his brother, John Haggis, of Middletown, RI. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Dorothy H. McClanahan and Barbara McCarthy. Many nieces and nephews and good friends survive him. Calling hours will be held at Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI on Monday, June 12th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 13 at 10:00 AM in St Mary's Church, 12 William Street Newport, RI.Burial will be in St. Columba's Cemetery in Middletown, RI. Donations in Dick's memory may be made to St. Mary's Souls in Harmony Campaign. Cemetery Details St. Columba Catholic Cemetery Brown's Lane Middletown, RI, 02842 Visitation JUN 12. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Mass of Christian Burial JUN 13. 10:00 AM St. Marys Catholic Church 12 William Street Newport, RI, US, 02840