-
Classmates Remembered

Travel forth, my old friend. I know not whereto. But may our memories illuminate your pathway beyond and keep you steadfast in our hearts.

Submitted 5/19/09 by: Gary V. Smith - Ricker Faculty 1968-1972

In Remembrance - Charles Upton

It is with a very sad heart that I inform you all of the passing of Charles Upton.  He died from a stroke following surgery.  He has been a lifelong friend of mine here in Houlton and will be missed by all Ricker folks who knew him.  He was truly a kind, gentle man.  The obituary will appear in the Bangor Daily News probably tomorrow. - Submitted 1/19/09 by: Tim Humphrey, Ricker College, Class of 1968

We're very sorry to hear about Charlie's passing.  He worked hard to keep the Ricker site full of information for all to enjoy.  Our prayers are with his family and friends. - Submitted 1/19/09 by: Vic and Nancy Schuster, Ricker College, Class of 1969

I'm so sad about Charlie's passing I can't even tell all of you how I feel today.  He was a good friend for so many years, I saw him just before Christmas when he stopped by my store to see me.  He always gave me a big hug and kiss.  This should remind all of us of our own mortality, we just never know.  Bonnie I'm thinking of you and I know that this will be very difficult for you, I hope in some small way we, all of Charlie's friends can ease your pain.  Love to all Angie - Submitted 1/19/09 by: Angie Rank Graves, Ricker College, Class of 1967

I am heartsick to hear the news of Charlie's passing.  We had such a wonderful time this past fall at our Columbus Day reunion.  He seemed healthy and happy, and we had so many laughs that day.  What a guy!  May he rest in peace. - Submitted 1/19/09 by: Anne Holliday Abbott, Ricker College, 1968-69

I only met Charles Upton once, although I had several phone calls and emails with him prior to the 2000 Ricker Reunion.  You see; he was “Our Man in Houlton”.  Simply, without him there wouldn’t have been a 2000 Reunion.  He did a hell of a lot of work for us – mailings (out of his office), putting together the “goodie bags” (remember your souvenir potato picking gloves?), he even got donations to cover some of the costs.  I met him for the first time the Friday morning before registration.  We needed to pickup the checkbook and get all the stuff he had put together, contracts, etc.  We (Dave and I) were late, hung over (of course), starving and (at least I was) a bit skeptical about what he was dumping in our laps.  Much to my chagrin; he was LEAVING town.  He had a wedding that weekend and wouldn’t be back until the smoke settled.  I think this had a lot to do with me tossing-my-cookies that morning at his office.  This is not the way Jersey boys do business - a wink and a handshake and I’ll see you later.  It just didn’t make sense.  Really, think about it – how many people would go out of their way and do all that work for an event, they couldn’t even attend?  Only one I’ve ever known – Charles Upton.  God Bless You! - Submitted 1/22/09 by: Rob Fliegel

Hats off to Charlie. All I can see is that great wonderful welcoming smile of his all the way here. Thanks to my years at Ricker I have had the privilege of meeting and getting to know him and calling him friend. I have great pictures I took out at his place on Sunday before I left last time we were in Houlton. I'll bring them with me the next time we all gather. He was so happy working in his garden with Bonnie and he loved his rows and rows of various sizes of Sunflowers. He insisted that Anna and I fill the car up with fruits and veggies and plants to take back to Westport. He will be in all of our hearts always.

Submitted 1/22/09 by: Debbe Hueneke, Ricker College, Class of 1970

I am sadly announcing the Passing of William "Billy" Wales, November 17, 2008, from Liver failure.  In passing he has left behind his ex-wife Patricia Wales three children, his Father and his sister.  Billy and Pat are extremely close to me so I am taking this very hard since their one Daughter is my God Child, but I am finding the Solace in that he has now joined our other Brothers and Sisters of Ricker who have gone before us and I know for sure Mr. A is the leader of the "CLAN".  Whatever our beliefs are can we all take a moment of silence to remember them not in sadness but in all the joy they brought into our lives and the tears of laughter we all shared and in doing so we can continue the Legacy of the camaraderie Of Ricker.  Billy, Thank You, for the Great Honor of Being My friend and Allowing me to be Yours, I love You.

With Profound Humility and Respect,

Submitted by: Steven J Battaglia, Ricker College, Class of 1973

Preceded by her Husband Robert 7/11/1997

Go in peace roommate and long time friend I'll miss you dearly

Submitted by: Debbie (Johnson) Guzelian, Ricker College, Class of 1973

Farewell college roommate and friend. Rest In peace.

Submitted by: Larry Oberacker, Ricker College, Class of 1970

"The things that never can come back are several - / Childhood - some forms of Hope - the Dead - / Though Joys - like Men - may sometimes make a Journey - / And still abide -." Emily Dickenson poem ca. 1881

Submitted by: Gary V. Smith, Ricker College, Class of 1971

In Remembrance - Frank Wingate

February 17, 2006 - Frank Wingate died at his home in Augusta Maine. He was surrounded by his loving wife Alyssa and his two children Blake & Courtney. Further information can be obtained in today's (2/18/06) Kennebec Journal. We will miss him.

Submitted by:  Roxanne Franchini

Lorry Putnam McLaughin  (RCI 1964) died 2002.  Was a good friend.  Wife of David McLaughin (RCI 1964) of Dyer Brook / Oakfield, Maine.

Submitted by:  Bill Sawyer

Linda Brewer Sojka ('72) died Wednesday, December 13, 2000, after a bout with cancer.  She is survived by her husband Gerald ('71) and their two children Matthew and Kassia.

Submitted by:  Jay Peskin

A great musician, an even better friend.  One of the most unique people I've ever met.

Submitted by:  Donna Lutrario

Barry was very active in the community in which he lived including running his own convenience store. He was especially remembered for running fund raisers for the track and field at the Erskine Academy in So. China, ME. He is survived by wife Debbie and children.  Barry was a member of Sigma Delta Phi.

Submitted By: Rich Coffman