Richard Sargent (center), and Chet McLaren honored for park volunteerism with named pavilion and certificate bestowed by then Braddock District Supervisor, Sharon Bulova – September 1999. Photo by Don Sweeney/Fairfax County Park Authority
Commander Richard E. Sargent USN (Retired), formerly of Springfield, died in hospice care in Madison Wisconsin on Nov. 28, 2020. During his years in Springfield’s Ravensworth community, Sargent, and his wife Martha, were active community members, with a particular interest in Lake Accotink Park. Sargent also served on the Park Authority Advisory Council. He and his neighbor, Chet McLaren, were honored for their volunteerism in 1999 with dedication of the McLaren-Sargent Pavillion. The Sargents were further honored by the Board of Supervisors on May 26, 2006, with the proclamation of Dick and Martha Sargent day.
Former Board of Supervisors Chairman, Sharon Bulova, who knew Sargent during her tenure as Supervisor of Braddock District, called him a “lion in the community” and “pioneer of community associations in Ravensworth.” Bulova recalled Sargent’s lengthy list of contributions, extensive volunteer time, and “the joy that he and his wife exhibited working together for their community.”
Sargent, a decorated veteran, is survived by his children, Nancy Sundal and Walter Sargent, and by 12 grand- and great-grand children. An on-line memorial service will be held by the Genderson Funeral Home, Madison Wisconsin, on Dec. 10, at 2 pm; with interment at Arlington National Cemetery in 2021. The Fairfax Park Foundation will accept donations made in his memory, as requested by his family. (https://fairfaxparkfoundation.org/)