Richard A. Banks, 71, equestrian
Richard A. “Dick” Banks of Darien, a former Ridgefielder who had been a rodeo rider and operator of equestrian and dairy farms, died Monday, March 8, 2004, at Norwalk Hospital after a brief illness.
Born in Bridgeport July 6, 1932, son of the late Albert and Allene Banks, Mr. Banks came to Ridgefield in 1949 when his family bought a 100-acre Ridgeway dairy farm in Ridgebury. Mr. Banks was active in managing the farm until it was sold after the death of his father in 1954.
His love of horses led him to a successful career in performance and competitive riding in both the rodeo circuit and the entertainment industry. A serious injury while “trick riding” at Freedomland USA in New York took him out of the competitive saddle but he continued performing “Roman Riding” (standing while riding two or more horses) on the rodeo circuit for the next few years.
Mr. Banks then moved to Ocala, Fla., where he managed one of the largest thoroughbred breeding farms in the state until 1979. He then returned to his roots in dairy farming, managing the Hopkins Farm in New Preston. caring for more than 300 head of Holsteins, until 1982 when owner Bill Hopkins decided to convert the farm to a winery.
Mr. Banks then moved to Wilton to manage a private estate. After a few years, the opportunity to return to the full-time horse business availed itself in the same community. Mr. Banks leased the Firestone family’s famous Chance Hill Farm on Silver Spring Road. There, he managed the Chance Hill Equestrian Center until retirement in 1997.
Mr. Banks spent his retirement years enjoying time with his family — children, grandchildren and his great-grandson.
He is survived by longtime companion Patti Coughlin of Darien; six children, Cheryl and husband Douglas, Sandra Banks, Wendy and husband Lonnie Pola, and Penny Banks all of Ridgefield, Dean and wife Jennifer Banks of Tennessee, Richard Banks Jr. of New Fairfield; seven grandchildren, Randy and Craig Both, Victoria Matijevic, Miles Banks, Bradford and Jessica Banks, and Nina Pola; one great-grandson, Matthew Matijevic; four sisters, Marge and John Silverblade in Maine, Ellen “Babe” Scott of Ridgefield, Joan and Timothy Kline of Fairfield and “Kid Sister” Karen Donnelly of Portland, Conn.; and by several nieces and nephews.
“We will all remember our brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and good friend fondly,” his family said.
A service will be held to celebrate Mr. Banks’ life on Thursday at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Ridgefield.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: Equine Advocates Inc., P.O. Box 700, Bedford, NY 10506.