Richard 'Rick' J. LaRue

Dr. Richard “Rick” James LaRue, age 73, passed away peacefully after a period of declining health due to dementia on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Scott-Farrar in Peterborough, NH.

He was born in Monet, Missouri, on May 14, 1952, the son of James “Jim” Parker LaRue, and Nancy Lilian LaRue (Ashton). He graduated high school from The University of Northern Iowa Laboratory School in Cedar Falls, IA in 1970. He attended the University of Northern Iowa for his undergraduate studies in Education, taking time off to be one of the first 100 people to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from South to North, he graduated in 1974. He continued his education at Springfield College in Springfield, MA, graduating with a Masters in Movement Sciences in 1980, and Doctorate of Physical Education in 1988.

Richard was an Associate Professor of Physical Education at Bradford College, in Bradford, MA, for almost 8 years and was an Associate Professor of Exercise and Sport Sciences at Colby Sawyer College in New London, NH for 7 years. Following a short stint at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN, he taught Sport and Recreation Management at the University of New England in Biddeford, ME for almost 20 years, retiring in 2018. During this time, he traveled extensively, teaching and lecturing across the globe. Throughout his career he was a staunch supporter of higher education, and an advocate for all his students.

Richard loved to hike and summited many mountains over the years taking trips with family and friends alike. In 2005 he revisited the Appalachian Trail, logging some substantial mileage during his second thru-hike attempt. Along with hiking, Richard spent a significant amount of time restoring his well-loved 1830’s Federal home in Saco, ME. He enjoyed working on its renovation especially with close friends and with a (what he liked to call a “high-density lipoprotein”) beverage in hand. Richard was always willing to help a friend or family-member who needed him.

Richard is survived by his two children, Aimee LaRue of Peterborough, NH and Michael (Claire) LaRue of Albany, NY; one grandchild, Henry; and three siblings, Linda (Gary) Johanningmeier of Waukon, IA, David LaRue of Orange, MA, and Kathryn Gronberg of North Branch, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews, close friends, and chosen family. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Nancy, Father, Jim, and Brother-in-Law, William Gronberg.

The family is planning a private memorial service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the following non-profit organizations in his name:

Appalachian Mountain Club: https://www.outdoors.org/donate/donate-form/

Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services: https://www.hcsservices.org/donate/