Richard W. Smyers, age 70, died on June 21, 2026, of a heart attack. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, on May 5, 1956, to Charles W. Smyers, Jr. and Pauline W. Smyers, Dick lived in Northfield, Vermont, from 1964 until his death.

Always following his own interests, Dick was fascinated by birds, Japanese animation, maps, local history, unusual and paranormal events, covered bridges, and mythical creatures, and he read countless books on these topics. A self-taught artist, he created dozens of beautifully colored manga-style books, including The Power of Asteroid "W" Meps and the Mazemaker, Black Sun, Morbax and the Shield of Terror, and his magnum opus in nine parts, The Henshin: Power of Lord Dues. In addition, he drew topical cartoons about the political scene in Vermont and in honor of people he cared about. Constitutionally unable to lie, Dick was always a truth-teller and could be extremely funny.

He worked for years at the Northfield Recycling Depot when it was a volunteer operation run by Don Wallace, and never missed a day of work. Somehow, he found many items of interest in the giant bins that ended up going home with him, and it was difficult to persuade him to return these to recycling. Additionally, he worked in the Montpelier office of Senator Jim Jeffords, managing their recycling, doing odd jobs, and making some interesting friends.

Dick is survived by his sister Karen A. Smyers of Easthampton, MA, and his Vermont family, Louis "Chuck" Paquet of Barre and Kathy Longworth of Northfield, whose tireless assistance enabled him to live independently on his own terms for two decades. The family would like to thank Melissa Palana, Joe and Kelly Wantuch, Betsy Wolf Blackshaw, Kim Daniels, and Diana Slayton Harrington for their caring support of Dick over the years.

Our unique friend and brother was cremated and his ashes scattered at one of his beloved covered bridges.

Arrangements are in the care of Kingston Funeral Home. To share online condolences, please visit www.vtfuneralhomes.com.