Richard T. Lehman, 50, died unexpectedly on July 28 at his home in Vineyard Haven. He was born in Brookline on August 18, 1953. He was the son of the late Rev. Thomas H. Lehman and Tenney K. Lehman of Aquinnah. He spent his early years in Tisbury, where his father was the rector of Grace Episcopal Church. The family later moved to West Newton, where his father was called to a new ministry at another Grace Church. He was educated in the Newton public schools and went on to attend Franklin Institute in Boston.

Richard truly loved the Vineyard. Each summer the family returned to their beloved home in Aquinnah. As a child, Richard spent his days boating, fishing and exploring the woods, ponds and beaches around his Lighthouse Road home. His first summer job was working for Earl and Doug Vanderhoop, renting sailboats on Menemsha Pond. As a teenager he established a mowing and brushcutting business.

Richard's lifelong dream of living on the Vineyard year-round came true in 1973. He began his career as an electrician with Bill Brown's Electric in Edgartown, earning his journeyman's license. He went on to establish Lehman & Dawley Electric in partnership with Peter Dawley. After receiving his master electrician's license, he established his own company, Richard Lehman Electric, and through hard work and determination became one of the most successful business owners on Martha's Vineyard.

Richard hunted, fished and collected classic cars. Offshore fishing trips for tuna, swordfish, stripers and blues will be fondly remembered by his family and friends. He enjoyed hunting expeditions to Montana and Canada.

Mr. Lehman was predeceased by his father. He is survived by his partner, Kimberley Cavanaugh, and newborn son, Thomas Allen Lehman of Vineyard Haven; a daughter, Jennifer Lehman of West Tisbury; his son, Nicholas Drake of Edgartown; grandchildren Brian Frost Jr. and Mekhi Jones of West Tisbury; his mother, Tenney K. Lehman of Cambridge; an uncle, William Lehman of Vineyard Haven; a sister, Daphne Noyes of Cambridge; a sister, Barbara Fenner of Chilmark; a brother, Frank Fenner, and his wife, Merrily, of Chilmark; his former wife, Julianne Fisher of Edgartown; his cousin, Chuck Lehman, and his wife, Brenda, of Oak Bluffs; his many nieces and nephews, and his good friend, Lori Mather and her family of Edgartown, among many others.

A procession of Vineyard electricians in their work trucks led by Richard's family in his work truck drove to the Aquinnah cemetery to join a large gathering of family and friends. Tributes to Richard's life were given by his best friend, Eric Litt; his godfather, Dr. Russell Hoxsie; Doug Vanderhoop, and Madeline Fisher. As they spoke an osprey glided overhead. The Rev. Donnel O'Flynn and the Rev. Alden Besse officiated. A reception after the service was held at the home of Merrily and Frank Fenner of Chilmark.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Vineyard charity of one's choice.