Richard E. “Rick” Pickford, 61, of Rye, NH, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on August 13, 2025. Born on January 29, 1964, in Peterborough, NH. Rick lived with spontaneity, imagination, and a fearless sense of adventure. His creativity will live on in the beauty he brought into the world, and his love will remain forever etched in the hearts of those who knew him.

Rick was a man of many passions. He was a talented photographer, devoted father, creative director, engaged community member, and business owner. He was always immersed in a new project or two—whether it was rebuilding boats, designing imaginative marketing, helping neighbors, or capturing life through his lens. Rick’s spirit was warm, grounded, and full of life. He had a deep love for the ocean and boating, and he welcomed others into his world with open arms and a generous heart. He had a natural gift for storytelling—especially when it came to his adventures and legendary practical jokes. Rick was a beloved friend to many and a respected leader in his local communities.

He attended Conant High School in Jaffrey, NH, and CONVAL Regional High School in Peterborough, NH, where he gained his passion for engineering. He went on to study Electrical Engineering at the Wentworth Institute of Technology, and later the University of New Hampshire. He founded HotDiggity Creative in 2004, blending his passion for problem-solving and storytelling.

Throughout his life, Rick lived across the Seacoast region, leaving a lasting impact on countless friends, organizations, and creative communities. He served as President of WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio, was a long standing board member of the Seacoast Arts and Cultural Alliance, and was New Hampshire State Coordinator for the American State Nationals.

Above all, Rick’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted and loving father to his daughters, Jessica Phinney and Lauren Pickford, both of Maine. His proudest moment came with the arrival of his first granddaughter, Maeve Phinney—the sunshine of his life and the heart of his world.

Rick is survived by his siblings: Pamela Pickford LaFleur and Linda Pickford Rautio, both of Manchester, NH, and William Pickford of Peterborough, NH. He is also survived by his uncle and aunt, Brent and Paula Aucoin of Jaffrey, NH, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives he touched deeply.

He was predeceased by his father, Richard E. Pickford Sr. (1943–2000), and his mother, Patricia Aucoin Dysart (1944–2023).

Please join us for a Celebration of Life honoring Rick. We will gather at one of his favorite places, Fort Foster Park, 76 Pocahontas Rd, Kittery Point, ME 03905, on September 20 at 2:00 pm.

In true Rick fashion, we invite you to come as you are, dressed casually and comfortably. Bring your stories, your laughter, and your love. We’ll share memories, enjoy music, and raise a glass to the way Rick lived: with creativity, joy, and an open heart.

For more details and to RSVP, please visit his memorial website: everloved.com/life-of/richard…

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