Crime & Safety
Canton Man Killed in Rhode Island Thursday
84-year-old Richard Gardiner was riding his bicycle when he was hit by a car.
A Canton man bicycling in Rhode Island was struck and killed by a car Thursday.
According to published reports, Richard Gardiner, 84, of Canton, was riding a bike on Route 1 in South Kingstown, R.I. when he was hit by a car around 5 p.m. Thursday.
Police performed CPR and Gardiner was transported to South County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the car stopped immediately, according to WPRI.com, and cooperated with investigating police. No charges will be filed, according to this report in the Narragansett-SouthKingstown Patch.
According to Gardiner's obituary, he was a former teacher, passionate about bicycling, the outdoors and empowering students.
He loved to frequent Roaring Brook Nature Center, where the family has directed memorial donations.
“He was just an amazing guy and one of my role models,” said Jay Kaplan, director of the nature center.
In addition to his activities, Gardiner was just always pleasant, Kaplan added.
Find out what's happening in Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“He always had a smile on his face and a nice thing to say,” Kaplan said.
Gardiner leaves a large family, including his wife Betsy. Calling hours will be Friday, July 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton. A memorial service will be held at Ski Sundown in New Hartford on Sunday July 28 at 10 a.m.Find out what's happening in Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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