Richard Linden, who grew up in the city of Rye and who taught in Tolland County at RHAM High School in Hebron, died on Sunday, April 16 at the age of 69, according to his obituary. 

Born in 1953, Linden went on to graduate from Cornell University with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. 

After working as a hospital administrator for 20 years, Linden discovered that he had a love for teaching and eventually ended up at RHAM High School, where he taught chemistry.

During his time there, Linden took great joy in creating a fun learning environment for his students, his obituary said.

One such way he would brighten up his students' day would be to dress up as Professor Snape from the Harry Potter franchise. 

In addition to his love of teaching, Linden also spent much time outdoors hiking, running, swimming, biking, and skiing. 

He would also combine this love of nature with his passion for volunteer work, and take part in testing the water quality of Andover Lake on his canoe as well as lead nature walk tours in preserves around his retirement home in Florida. 

Additionally, Linden also tutored many students online, in addition to other volunteer work. 

He was known for making everyday life experiences "more light-hearted, easygoing, and silly for the people around him," his obituary said. 

Linden is survived by his wife, Katie Linden; his children, Ellie and John; his brother, Robert; and his niece and nephews, Beth, Jeremy, and Todd.

A Celebration of Life for Linden will be held on Saturday, June 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Patriots Park Lodge in Coventry, Connecticut at 172 Lake St. 

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