In Memoriam

The Rev. Richard Lloyd Aiken, 90, beloved father of Alison Aiken, of Truro, MA, and Andrew Aiken, of West Hartford, CT, died Monday, July 26, 2021, in his home on North Pamet Road in Truro.

Rev. Aiken was born in New York City and educated at St. Thomas Choir School, South Kent School, and Trinity College. He received his Master’s Degree in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1956, his Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University in 1964, and an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Trinity College in 1974.

Rev. Aiken was ordained as Deacon and Priest in the Protestant Episcopal Church of Honolulu, HI, in 1956 serving as Assistant and Associate Rector for the Church of the Holy Nativity, Aina Haina, Oahu, HI, until 1960. He then served as Chaplain and School Counselor at St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH, from 1960-71; Dean of Students and Head of Choate School in Wallingford, CT, from 1971-76; and as Chaplain at South Kent School in South Kent, CT, from 1976-81.

After spending summers on the Cape since childhood, Rev. (“Dick”) Aiken became a year round resident of Truro in 1981, running his filling station, Jack’s Gas, on Route 6 and cutting and splitting firewood for friends and customers all over the lower Cape. Jack’s Gas gave many young people their first work opportunities over the years and kept Dick connected to his community and in service to others.

A descendent of British mariners, Dick loved to sail and knew the waters of Cape Cod, the Islands, and much of coastal New England. Always the adventurer, his sailing horizons broadened over time to include many winter trips to the Virgin Islands where his good humor, kindness, and interest in people drew many new friends.

Dick’s appreciation for camaraderie and competition fueled his love for sports since his early days in choir school. He was especially grateful for his good fortune to play for undefeated and untied football teams at South Kent and Trinity. He loved a good catch or a clean hit whether he made it, gave it, coached it, or simply witnessed it watching his beloved Red Sox or Patriots.

In addition to his two children, survivors include his grandchildren Mina, Saam, Margaret Anna, and many much-loved nieces and nephews.