Richard Hakey

HIGHGATE - Richard George Hakey, age 86, passed away on Saturday, February 14th, 2026 at the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans.

He was born in and grew up in Swanton. He was a gifted baseball player who played throughout his school years. He continued to play sports while attending Johnson State College. He was inducted into Johnson's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1963.

After graduation, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ouimette, on August 31, 1963. They celebrated many blissful years until Elizabeth passed on July 1, 2018.

Richard spent many years as a teacher, principal, and coach. He even taught the first year MVU opened. Although he left teaching for a career with the Immigration Service, he continued to coach at EFHS and after retirement with the Highgate Elementary School.

Richard was a loving and thoughtful husband, father, and grandfather. He was a modest person who didn't need extravagant things. He preferred simple times like fishing, playing cribbage, reading westerns, riding to look for deer, pick berries as there was nothing better than a fresh berry pie, and listen to 50s and 60s music.

He is survived by his children, Scott Hakey and his wife, Mary of, OK, and Karen Hakey of Highgate; grandson, Matthew Minckler; brother, Donald Hakey and his wife, Cindy of Mooers, NY; sister, Beatrice St. Francis and her husband, Gary of Swanton; sister-in-law, Patricia Desorcie of TX; amazing neighbor, Thomas and Tammy Bockus and Will and Nancy Rowell; and his longtime friend, Jack Eldridge. He also leaves behind his mean cat, Sweetie. Richard was predeceased by his parents, George D. and Ella (Root) Hakey and his wife, Elizabeth; his brothers, Robert, Lester, Stephen, and Thomas Hakey; and his sister, Shirley Fydenkevez.

Memorial contributions may be made to Missisquoi Valley Rescue, P.O. Box 22, Swanton, VT 05488.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com