Everyone here at Cowsmopolitan extends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Richard Caverly.
Richard Edward Caverly, 56, passed away unexpectedly at home on February 23, 2024. Richard maintained his humorous demeanor throughout his life, including enjoying time with friends the evening before his passing. Richard was born February 19th, 1968, the son of Edgar Charles “E.C.” Caverly and Charlee (Ballard) Curtis. Richard graduated from Lawrence High School in 1986 and got straight to work in the dairy industry, first working at the family’s farm in Clinton.
During his youth Richard was an active member of 4-H and helped the family exhibit their award winning Ayrshire cattle at local fairs and regional cattle shows. He would often credit learning his farm and cattle knowledge to his father and his uncles: Frank and Pudge. His experiences growing up helped to cultivate the skills and passion that led to a very successful career as a cattle fitter across three countries and two continents. In 2013, he was the recipient of the sition in Madison, Wisconsin.
Richard married Beverly Donovan of Chesterfield, Massachusetts in 2010. Together they expanded Bev’s Deer Hill Ayrshire herd at their Benton, Maine home. They competed regularly at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA, the World Dairy Exposition in Madison, WI, and the North American Livestock International Exposition in Louisville, KY, among others. Richard and Bev enjoyed tremendous success and created many special memories working together and alongside many friends and family at the shows.
Richard’s creative spirit shone brightly through his love for photography, his gift for poetry, and his innovative approach to spoken language. His passion for quality dairy cows was reflected in his research and knowledge of the animals he admired and the farms who raised them. Richard served as a mentor to many young dairy farmers, his experience, guidance, and passion will live on in those lives he touched.
Richard was predeceased by his father Edgar and stepmother Donna Caverly, maternal grandparents Richard and Lottie Ballard, paternal grandparents Brainard Jr. and Evelyn Caverly, and cousin Dale Caverly. Survivors include his wife Beverly Donovan; mother, Charlee Curtis; siblings, Sara (John) Thompson, Anita (Norman) Burdzel, Robert (Dominique) Caverly, Russell (Jordan) Caverly, and Leah (Erick) Lafferty; four nephews and one niece; uncles, Frank (Susie) Caverly and Rick (Victoria) Ballard; six cousins; and the many special friends who shared in his adventures.
The family would like to thank the numerous friends who regularly checked in on Richard and supported him throughout the years. Special appreciation to Tim and Erin Flood and their children, as well as to Prescott Tilton-Flood and Cody Mills.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, March 1st from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, followed by a 3:00 pm service both at Moody Chapel on the Hinckley Campus of Kennebec Valley Community College. Family and friends will be invited to a reception to honor his memory following the service.
ERIn lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Richard Caverly Award Fund with the Ayrshire Breeders Association, 1224 Alton Darby Creek Rd, Columbus, OH 43228. Other donations in Richard’s name to support the dairy industry are welcomed.