Dick Tardiff spent his childhood in the woods and fields of Maine, where he learned the essential skills and values of life. He credits an excellent public school system and a handful of gifted teachers for any success he later achieved. He gives thanks to God and Vacation Bible School for the seeds of faith that were planted in him at an early age. Following his sojourn at the University of Maine, he embarked on a teaching career that took him into nearly a dozen schools in remote Alaskan villages over the course of twenty-five years. 

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After retiring from his career in public education, Dick answered a call that had become too persistent to ignore. He enrolled in seminary, and was ordained a Deacon in 2004, and a Priest in 2005. Dick served parishes in Anchorage, Alaska and in Southwest Harbor, Maine before being called, in 2010 by Christ Church, where he served for seven years. 

 

Having officially retired, Father Dick has been indulging in two favorite passions: flying and fishing. In his current “day job” he is building an airplane. He notes that he has always been blessed to live in places of beauty and mystery, and Stevensville is no exception ! 

 

Fr. Dick ‘s companion, counselor and best friend, whom he married in 1979, is Pamela VanWechel. A retired teacher and school superintendent, Pamela now enjoys volunteering in a number of venues, with a particular interest in elder care.