Richard Allen Mills

December 4, 1936 — February 3, 2021

Richard Allen Mills, age 84 of Derwood, MD, died February 3, 2021 at Brooke Grove Nursing and Rehab Center, where he was admitted for physical therapy after a fall. He was the son of the late George and Catherine Mills.

Richard enlisted and served in the Maryland National Guard, 115th Infantry from 1955 until 1967 as an Artilleryman. At the time of his discharge, he had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Beginning in 1955, Richard was employed as an auto mechanic at the Shell Gas Station on Hungerford Drive in Rockville as well as a part-time, evening shift mechanic with OK Buick of Bethesda. In 1963, he was employed with the MacIntyre Hardware chain of stores at various locations until 1966, when he was promoted to manager of the Potomac, MD store.

Richard resigned the position in 1968 and founded Millhaven Horse Farm, where he offered boarding, horse training and riding lessons. Many kids that rode at Millhaven went on to be top- rated equestrians. He started a series of horse shows on the farm for local riders, which came from all over. It became very popular during the 80s and 90s. The farm is still thriving and will continue to remain open under the direction of Diana Delmar, Richard’s “significant other” of 21 years.

Richard enjoyed foxhunting and socializing with The Potomac Hunt Club and The Goshen Hounds, where he  served as a “Whipper-in” and “Huntsman.” He even dabbled in playing polo for a period of time and owned a few Thoroughbred racehorses that he trained and raced.

Richard was known for his willingness to always help a neighbor in need whether it meant plowing snow, installing a new well pump or just about anything someone was in need for. He was great with his hands and could build anything. With the help of friends and family, he built the barn at Millhaven, the indoor riding arena and all the fencing on the property. He believed in hard work and lived that way to the end of his last breath. He would always say he wouldn’t know what he would do if he couldn’t work anymore.

In his spare time, he loved to collect coins and restore antique cars, spending years to restore the cars and enter them into car shows or show them off to his many friends that would stop in at the farm. He would love to drive around in the antique cars and take people for rides in them. One of his favorite joy rides was in his Polaris Slingshot, which he nicknamed “The Bat Mobile” and which all the grandkids and great-grandkids loved to ride in. He was a true family man!

Besides his partner Diana, he is survived by his brother George Lee Mills, children Mike and his wife Debrah Mills, Timmy Mills, Brenda Mills and spouse Betsy Smith, Natali Mills, grandchildren, Amy Murtaugh, Michael Mills, Jesse and his wife Randi Mills, Richard Owen Mills and his fiancé Cecelia Casamento, Dennis Mann, Travis Mann and 12 great-grandchildren.

Richard was married twice, first to Carol (Taylor) Desautels, and then to the late Stephanie Edwards, an accomplished horse rider and trainer who died February 25, 2019.

He will be dearly missed by the staff and boarders at Millhaven Horse Farm along with so many friends who have known him over the course of his life.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

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