Across the region, friends, colleagues, former employees and community members have shared their memories of Richard Verney.
Laura Gingras
Laura Gingras, Vice President of Community and Philanthropy at Monadnock Community Hospital, said that Verney was “one of the most extraordinary volunteers in the history of the hospital.”
“Mr. Verney stepped up and served on the Board of Trustees of the hospital, he was a founding member of the Philanthropy Committee, he served on so many of our committees–and he always said ‘yes’ whenever we needed guidance or support. The fact that he could make time for us when he did so much for others in our community was incredible,” Gingras said.
Gingras recalls Verney as a profoundly humble man who did not see recognition or attention for his good works, and never sought or expected special treatment.
“I was always so impressed with him, and really, kind of in awe of him. Mr. Verney was not effusive–he was maybe a little shy–but he had a great sense of humor, and he always made people feel comfortable. He always asked about everyone’s family, and he was very relatable. He cared so deeply about this community, he had the means to make a difference, and he did it,” Gingras said. “What an amazing role model he was for how to be a good steward of the community. He will be very deeply missed.”
Marshall Gale
Antrim Fire Chief Marshall Gale, who has been with Antrim Fire and Rescue for nearly 50 years, remembered Verney both as his employer at Antrim Paper Mills and as a tireless supporter of the community.
“I worked at Monadnock Paper Mills for close to 29 years, and Richard Verney’s support for the community and all the local organizations could not be matched,” Gale wrote. “The company was so supportive when I went to EMT school and also EMT intermediate school as far as reworking my work schedule so I’d be able to attend all the classes. Any time there was a fire or ambulance call in Antrim, they always gave me the liberty of leaving work if necessary. Any time any of the area fire departments responded to the paper mill for any fire incident, Richard Verney would make a donation to the departments that responded in appreciation and support for what they do.”
Carole Lunan
Carole Lunan, parent support educator at The Grapevine, in her email, said she saw a playful side of Mr. Verney.
“Mr. Verney gave the ‘Learning Viners’ tours of the paper mill and of his maple syrup operation. I’ll never forget the day he played ‘duck, duck, goose’ with the preschoolers. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. What an amazing supporter of the Grapevine.”
Lori Archambault
In her note, Lori Archambault, who served as Verney’s executive assistant for 18 months prior to his death, said Verney’s death is a “tremendous loss to the community.”
“I can tell you, as his personal and executive assistant that I learned so much from him in a short time. Richard Verney was truly one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever known. As a boss, he led the company with compassion and integrity. He set a standard for hard work — not because he wanted recognition, but because he believed deeply in doing things the right way and making a difference in people’s lives. He loved the birds, fish and dogs. We always had time to talk about dogs. His dog Boots will especially miss him.
“Mr. Verney’s generosity extended far beyond the workplace. He gave so much back to this community, often quietly, and without seeking the spotlight. Whether it was supporting local charities, or lending a helping hand to someone in need, he always found ways to lift other people up.
“He showed us that true success is measured not only by professional accomplishments, and the impact we leave on others. His was a life well lived.”
Angie Swett-Attridge
Angie Swett-Attridge and her family lived at the Verney estate in Bennington for 36 years. She wrote:
“My husband, Timothy Attridge, worked for Mr. Verney for 36 years as a caretaker for the properties and we lived at ‘the farm,’ which is what the family calls the properties in Bennington. We raised our two boys living there, and it was so great. The Verney family was just that: family. My husband became disabled and had to retire, or we would still be there. We are grateful for Mr. Verney and his family, and we pray for them and send our condolences.”
Mike Munhall
Mike Munhall sent the following tribute on behalf of the Bennington Conservation Commission:
“The members of the Bennington Conservation Commission individually and collectively recognize with deep sadness the passing of Richard Verney, the chairman and CEO of Monadnock Paper Mills and a vital member of our community. Mr. Verney was a titan in the field of ecological industrial practices and flew the ecology flag over his mill that the Verney family has owned since 1948. Anyone entering Bennington from Route 202 can’t help notice the immaculately kept grounds of Mr. Verney’s Mill. Mr. Verney was passionate about quality in his company and his community.
“Over the years, Mr. Verney contributed extensively to his town, ‘because it is where we live.’ He annually funded the Conservation Commission’s Earth Day activities. He also contributed to many activities and projects at Pierce Elementary School. But perhaps his most significant contribution to Bennington was the donation of the 34 acres of land that is now The Bruce Edes Memorial Forest, which many townsfolk and others regularly use to bond with nature. Located across the Contoocook River from his office at the mill, Mr. Verney could gaze on the Forest daily.
“However, more than his philanthropy, Mr. Verney represented a modern progressive industrial leader. Long before it was deemed necessary, he turned Monadnock Paper Mills into a sustainably conscious paper producer. He made reducing paper waste a hallmark of the Mills’ production of its high-quality papers. He also used the Contoocook River to help power his factory with hydroelectric turbines. Mr. Verney got a jump on the Clean Water Act in the 1970s by creating the Mills’ own wastewater purification system. In 2004 the Mills adopted the Forest Steward Council standards related to environmental management. Under his leadership, the Mills produced alternatives to plastic, PVC and styrene. The Mills, which celebrated its 200th founding in 2019, is known worldwide for its high quality papers thanks in large part to Richard Verney’s leadership.
“Each morning at 7 a.m. the Mill’s whistle sounds as it does at noon and 5 p.m. But now it will be a memorial to Mr. Verney’s legacy. We will miss Mr. Verney’s contributions to his town but also the example he provided for all business leaders to be environmentally conscious as we look forward to a better America.”
Sue Chollet
Sue Chollet of Peterborough, a longtime family friend, remembered how Richard Verney was there for her family after a tragedy.
“My husband, Rick, committed suicide in 1991, when my children were in college. After it happened, Richard came to our house. He asked the kids and I to come into the library, and then he closed the door, and he said to my kids: ‘If you ever need anything, call me. If you need money, if you need anything at all you can call me, any time. He said, ‘If you’re ever in jail, call me,’ and I thought, ‘Goodness, Richard!’ But he was there for them, and he meant it. He was always there for them. Very few people ever do that. Very few people will step up like that. But Richard did. He was a very, very rare person, an extraordinary person, and my family was so privileged and fortunate to know him. He will be very deeply missed.”