Richard Verney was our rock
Richard G. Verney
How many times have we heard the expression that a person was a “pillar” of the community?
Well, I can think of no one who filled that role more than Richard G. Verney who was the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Monadnock Paper Mills in Bennington.
Richard’s philanthropic impact was felt all over the Monadnock region and well beyond.
While standing in line during visiting hours for Richard last Thursday night, people were sharing the positive impacts Richard had on their organizations — providing employment to the developmentally disabled community at Monadnock Paper Mills, supporting land conservation projects, the arts and youth organizations to name just a few. One individual shared with me that despite being known as a “proper gentleman,” Richard showed up at a youth support group and played duck, duck goose.
I first met Richard in the early 1980’s concerning railroad service to the Mill in Bennington. Richard’s advice, counsel and support over the years has had so much to do with the success of my business.
Richard was never hesitant to reach out concerning a legislative issue that might impact the Mill, his employees or New Hampshire. He had an amazing ability to get things done by working together. In a world of lost ethics, Richard was a beacon of hope that ethics still matter. Even if you didn’t know Richard, it is likely he did something that made your life better.
We have lost a gentleman who loved helping people, and he was more than a pillar — he was instrumental in making our community that special place it is today. He was our rock.