Obituaries from the week of 02/25/10

He was born in Boston, Mass., the son of Norman and Hazel (Merrill) Ferguson and grew up in Bethel where he attended Gould Academy. He excelled in athletics playing football, running track and competing in both alpine and Nordic skiing, capturing several individual state championships in Nordic skiing and middle-distance running. After graduating from Gould in 1952, Norman enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country. He was stationed in Austria, where he trained troops in skiing and also represented the Army in alpine ski racing competing against Austrian and other European skiers. He won numerous competitions and collected cups and medals from races at St. Johann and other ski areas in slalom, giant slalom and downhill. After returning home in 1955, he dated a Gould acquaintance, Barbara Cole. They soon fell in love and were married in the Congregational Church in Bethel on Jan. 29, 1956. Norman attended Burdett College in Boston, where they lived shortly before he graduated in 1957. He began work in accounting for the Oxford Paper Company in Rumford. The couple made their home in Hanover, where they raised a lively family of four sons. He remained at the paper mill having received certification as a purchasing agent and retired in the late 1980s. Norman was a devoted family man, participating in Boy Scouts, seemingly endless sports events, musical concerts, camping and hiking trips and numerous other activities with his sons. He relished Hanover as a great place to raise a family. The local population boasted a large percentage of children that naturally led Norm to volunteer in youth group and scouting activities at the Rumford Point Congregational Church, where he held numerous offices over decades. It is noted for posterity he never participated in choir — vocal harmony was a strong suit, though it never prevented him from indulging private audiences of family and friends! Norman had a profound patriotic pride in his country as well as his state, county and community. He served several years on the school board and was elected as Oxford County commissioner having served that post for a total of 26 years. He later served in the Maine State Senate, thus, his red, white and blue campaign signs became a common landmark in autumn election cycles. He served eight consecutive years as state senator completing election term limits. Another role he enjoyed and took great pride in was moderator at town meetings in Hanover. He prided himself as a responsive elected official answering phone calls, responding to all correspondence and expending great energy in serving constituents. Above all, Norman cared deeply for young people and their pursuit of education and often sent notes to those children who worked diligently and were recognized for honor-roll or other scholastic achievement. He passionately believed the key for a thriving democratic republic is the nurturance and education of society's youth.

Throughout his political involvement, Norm was active serving the Republican Party at local and state levels. He served as the GOP treasurer for Oxford County and was a successful fundraiser. He was active in the campaigns of gubernatorial, congressional and U.S. Senate races having been Oxford County campaign chairman for former Secretary of Defense, William S. Cohen (then running for U.S. Senate), Senator Olympia Snowe and Senator Susan Collins. He has remained part of their teams and numerous other candidates running for local, state, or federal office. Among other activities and organizations, Norman served on the board of directors at Oxford Federal Credit Union, the board of AARP and the board for Western Maine Transportation Services. He spent many hours on the slopes of Black Mountain and assisted with officiating numerous Nordic ski-racing events. He was also active in St. Andrews Society activities and enjoyed attending highland games. He and his wife Barbara helped with devotion to make the dream of Hospice House a reality. Norman's boyhood was everlastingly influenced by his Scottish heritage and his undying love for Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. He passed this love on and shared it with his wife, four sons, their wives and 11 grandchildren. Over the years many dear friends and relatives in Cape Breton have made their way to the pasture and beach where Clan Ferguson camps simply to be by the ocean, enjoy the inspiring beauty of the land, birds and wildlife — much in the tradition of generations before.

Norman is survived by his wife Barbara; his four sons, Scott, Douglas, Dan and Robert; 11 grandchildren; a sister, Elizabeth Mottla; and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 at the Rumford Point Congregational Church, Rumford Point. Interment with Military Honors will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 22, 2010 at the Hanover Cemetery, Hanover. Friends are invited to call at the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St., Rumford, on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Those who desire may contribute to the Hospice House, 236 Stetson Rd, Auburn, ME 04101 in his memory. Online register book and memories may be shared at www.meaderandson.com

Teddy was born in Windham on Feb. 14, 1934. He was employed as a plasterer all of his life. He loved his flower and veggie beds and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his many friends. His biggest passion was teasing everyone he knew and loved, Teddy was also the world's biggest flirt. A huge store teller, he would keep folks on the edge of their seats waiting for the end. His famous fish fry will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

Surviving are his loving wife of 41 years, Patricia (Phinney) Dyer of Cornish; nine children, Richard Dyer of Standish, Debi Dyer of Limington, Brenda (Dyer) Nealey, Lori Dyer and Faye Dyer, all of Gorham, April (Dyer) Wright of Quitman, Ga., Linda Liberty of Hiram, Darrin Manchester and Michael Manchester, both of Cornish; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Teddy was predeceased by his parents, Florence and Alfred Axelson; and two sisters, Barbara Liberty and Sandra Farwell.

There will be a celebration of Teddy's life for all of his family and friends, on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at 12 p.m., at the Windham/Gorham Rod and Gun Club, 8 Tow Path Rd., Gorham. Arrangements are by the Dolby Funeral Chapel, Windham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Teddy's memory to: Beacon Hospice, 54 Atlantic Place, South Portland, ME 04106.

He was born in Salem, Mass., on Dec. 29, 1937, the son of Lee F. and Beatrice (Swinehammer) Trefry, and was educated in Massachusetts schools. Lawrence had worked at the Creese & Cook Tannery in Danvers, Mass. for many years before moving to South Berwick and working for Prime Tanning for several years before retiring in 2005. Lawrence was a strong, happy and generous man who loved to bowl, play cards and lift weights. He was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying the Red Sox and Patriots and was a member of the AA of Casco.

He is survived by his wife Alice (Morris) Trefry of Harrison; a son, David Lee Trefry of South Berwick; a daughter, Debbie Lynn Trefry of Harrison; and two grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Dale Bernard.

Memorial services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Raymond-Wentworth Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com

Gordon traveled extensively with his job as a marine engineer for Mobile Oil and the American Bureau of Shipping. He shared his love of opera and travel with his longtime companion, Adele Bendes. He was also a master furniture maker who passed his knowledge of woodworking along to his friends at Hershey's Mill in Pennsylvania. He enjoyed his summers in Harrison on Long Lake, telling stories to his children and grandchildren.

Gordon will be greatly missed by his children, Brenda Lamotte, Sharon Hawkes, Deborah Weaver, Donna Katz and Mike Crandall; his nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Genevieve Crandall.

A ceremony will be held in his honor at Nagaloka Buddhist Center, 81 Oak St., Portland, at 11 a.m. on Feb. 27.

She was born in Baldwin on Oct. 2, 1928, the daughter of Frederick and Myrtle Record Harrington, and attended local schools. She married Frank N. Parker on July 6, 1946. Marjorie worked for many years at the Clarastat Co. in Gorham. She also worked for many years at Alfred Footwear. Later, she worked for several years at the Baldwin School for the SAD 55 School Lunch Program. She loved working around her home, both painting the inside, and taking care of the grounds outside. Marjorie also had a great love for animals. Above all, she was a devoted homemaker and a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 48 years, Frank N. Parker; and a granddaughter.

Surviving are two sons, Ronald Parker of West Baldwin and Reginald Parker of Buxton; a daughter, Judy Adams of Cornish; a brother, Ralph Johnson of Steep Falls; two sisters, Florence Benvie of Kezar Falls and Dorothy Bell of Lovell; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several loving nieces and nephews.

There was an hour of visitation Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 1-2 p.m. A funeral service immediately followed at the Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish. Pastor Robert Irish officiated. Burial will be in Cornish in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Sacopee Rescue, P.O. Box 367, Parsonsfield, ME 04047.

She was born in Portland, Sept. 12, 1944, and graduated from Deering High School. Upon graduation, Phyllis attended Pierre's School of Beauty. She worked at Fairchild and then operated a daycare from her home. Phyllis retired from Unum Corporation. Phyllis attended White Rock Free Baptist Church in Gorham. Religion and family was very important to her. She also had a great love for her pets.

She was predeceased by her parents; a brother, George Gibbs; as well as her two husbands, Alfred Dalrymple and Robert Richard.

Survivors include her sons, James of Limington, Steve Richard of Naples and Roger Richard of Waterford; daughters, Lisa Wise of Florida and Cheryl Arsenault of Mechanic Falls; a brother, Dick of Cumberland; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

An hour of visitation was held on Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham. A service followed at the chapel. Spring burial will be in St. Hyacinth Cemetery, Westbrook.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607.

She was born in Bridgton on Feb. 3, 1948, the daughter of Irving and Mildred Seavey Ridlon. She attended local schools and the North Bridgton Congregational Church until the age of 7 when she moved with her parents to Sanbornville, N.H.

She is predeceased by her parents; her brother, Olin "Duffer" Ridlon; her sister, Dorothy Ridlon Illsley; and her first husband, Gary Barker Sr.

She is survived by her three children, Jane, Gary Jr. and Matthew, all of New Hampshire; and many extended family in the Bridgton area.

Burial will be in the North Bridgton Cemetery in the spring.

Wilbur was born at home in South Portland on Dec. 23, 1931, the son of Wilbur T. and Doris (Brown) Wildes Sr. As a young child, he grew up on Forest Avenue in Portland. He often enjoyed ice skating at Deering Oaks in the winter. He later moved back to South Portland where he was educated attending Brown School and later graduating from South Portland High School. Wilbur married Barbara Stinnett on Nov. 11, 1950, and started a family. He was employed at JJ Nissen Bakery, where he eventually retired as a district sales manager after 53 years of service. He was a generous man, who gave his time as a Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball coach. In the mid 70s, he and a group of his friends walked to Fenway Park from South Portland, meeting Ted Williams at the pitcher's mound while raising money for the Jimmy Fund. He truly loved playing and watching all sports. In high school, he was a multi-sport athlete and later enjoyed playing golf and bowling at the Big 20. Wilbur also enjoyed playing cribbage, watching western movies and being with his friends. He was a past member of the Elks and a former president of the Sunset Park Men's Club.

Wilbur was predeceased by a brother, Herbert "Bud" Wildes; and a grandson.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara Wildes of South Portland; his children, W. Timothy Wildes III of Bridgton, Michael J. Wildes of South Portland, Julie A. Wildes of Portland and Peter J. Wildes of South Portland; six grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; a sister, Marion Chase; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Online condolences may be shared at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by the Hobbs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wilbur's name may be made to: South Portland Nursing Home, 42 Anthoine St., South Portland, ME 04106.

He was born in Norway, July 13, 1949, the son of the late Albert and Gertrude Hamlin. Jim was a self-employed general contractor. He graduated from Oxford Hills High School in 1967 before graduating first in his class at Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute in Auburn two years later. Jim was blessed with the "Aloha Spirit" as he often vacationed on the big island of Hawaii with his family. He loved playing golf with his long-time friends, Bruce Plummer, Harry Adams and the late George Adams. He cherished the trips to Myrtle Beach with the guys.

Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Belinda of Naples; his son, Ryan of Casco; his daughter, Kelly Jean of Naples; four brothers, Gary of Harrison, Ronald of Waterford, Mark of Denmark and Warren of Norway; and two sisters, Sharon of Waterford and Charlene of California.

Visiting hours were held on Sunday at Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Rd., Casco. A funeral service was held on Monday at the Naples United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhomeinc.com