In Celebration of Radkin's Life
1945 - 2012
linger in our hearts.
Written by
Ann B. Day
at the Celebration of Radkin’s Life
and Balloon Launch
A Celebration of Radkin's Life was held on Sunday, August 26th, 2012 at 2 pm on Shelburne Point (where Radkin lived). The day was breezy, hot (90 degrees) and absolutely beautiful. Definitely a day Radkin would have loved.
This was a very informal event, and all those present celebrated Radkin's life with stories and songs. It was clear by the number of friends attending just how loved Radkin was.
He later worked for decades as the caretaker of the Jackson family property on Shelburne Point, beginning in the late 1970’s. He also worked for NRG in Hinesburg, and later worked assembling parts for windmills for NRG from his home . He lived a minimalistic, vegetarian lifestyle which was consistent with his concern for the planet.
Born Richard Burgess on April 5, 1945 in Greenfield, MA, he was the son of the late Arthur E. and Anne (Beagarie) Burgess. He graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1964, and later legally changed his name to just Radkin.
Radkin could frequently be seen riding his horse or mowing hay on the Point in the summer. He was well known in the area for his free spirit, his wit, his eccentricities, and his passion for many causes. He had a musician’s soul, and thoroughly enjoyed playing the piano and guitar.
In his earlier years, Radkin lived and worked at the Mad River ski area until 1978 at which time he moved to Shelburne, where he then worked at the Shelburne Shipyard.
He moved from Shelburne to Alburgh, where he purchased property in 2003.
This is a link to a very brief YouTube video of Radkin.
The people whose lives were enriched by having known Radkin will miss him. And because he died a tragic and untimely death I hope this site gives some comfort to those of us who cared for and miss him.
Please feel free to share your thoughts. Click on "Stories" on the left margin and then click on "Create a New Story" near the top of the next page. If you have difficulty uploading photos or stories, please contact me. I will be happy to help. Please remember to type your name at the bottom of your story.
If you have questions and/or problems click here to email me directly, or click on Contact the Moderator at the top of the page.
Additional postings and comments from the Valley Reporter. There are more wonderful stories and thoughts about Radkin.
We will never forget you, Radkin!
Thank you.
Betty Marcher, Site Creator & Moderator
“ All we have to do is tune into the right frequency ”
RadkinPhotos: Click to Enlarge
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Radkin was my friend and I'm hoping we can provide him with a fitting tribute to his life with this page.
Posted by Betty Marcher on March 28, 2012 4:53 am
Today was the date of Radkin's birth...
Betty
Posted by Betty Marcher on April 5, 2012 3:59 am
I love seeing all the photos of Radkin and reading all of your stories has been very therapeutic. I have a couple of pictures I wanted to share and I have torn my house apart (I moved in December) to find them, with no luck. I will continue searching although I may need to take a break before I go crazy trying to find them!
Keep the photos and stories coming, they are wonderful!
Betty Marcher
Posted by Betty Marcher on April 7, 2012 5:22 am
I have recently updated the site to include a beautiful poem written by Ann Day and pictures from the Memorial Service and balloon launch for Radkin. Sorry for the poor quality of the images.
Posted by Betty Marcher on January 9, 2013 4:38 am