Benjamin Leroy Rines, Sr., passed away Oct. 21, surrounded by his family at MidCoast Hospital in Brunswick.
He was born in Wiscasset on Oct. 8, 1925, the son of Archie L. Rines and Alice E. Colby.
He was the loving husband of Virginia Pearl Butler, and married her on Oct. 8, 1944, his nineteenth birthday.
He graduated as class president of Wiscasset Academy, class of 1943. After graduation, he joined the Marines, seeing duty in the post war occupation of Japan. Later, he served as Commander and Treasurer of American Legion Post 54 in Wiscasset, and was instrumental in establishing both the Post’s weekly Beano game and the American Legion baseball team. He also coached a longtime winning Little League team.
A life long resident of Wiscasset, he served a term on the town budget committee and 15 years as a trustee of the Wiscasset Water District. At one time, he was the first assistant fire chief on the Wiscasset Fire Department, retiring in 1991 after 50 years of service. In recognition of his service, he received a lifetime appointment by the Board of Selectmen. He also served as grand marshal for the town’s Fourth of July parade that year.
He worked at Central Maine Power Mason Station for 32 years, retiring in 1984.
Born with a green thumb, he was known for growing the best strawberries around. In later years, his specialty was gladiolas. Always a Red Sox fan, bowler and crackerjack cribbage player, he was a friend to everyone he met.
He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, in 2003; and sisters, Eva Rankin and Gladys Kaler.
He is survived by their children, Pamela H. Soule and husband Sam of Westport Island, Larry Rines and wife Carolann, Ben Rines, Jr., Robert Rines and wife Janet, Peter Rines, Mark Rines and wife Lori, and Ray Rines, all of Wiscasset; nine grandchildren; one great-grandson; several nieces and nephews; and sisters, Marion Abbott of Wiscasset and Lillian Gowen of Arrowsic.
Visiting hours 5:30-8 p.m., Tues., Oct. 24 at St. Philips Episcopal Church in Wiscasset.
Graveside service 11 a.m., Wed., Oct. 25 at Greenlawn Cemetery in Wiscasset. A reception will follow at the Wiscasset Community Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations my be made to the Association of Wiscasset Firefighters, c/o Tim Merry, 51 Main St., Wiscasset, ME 04578.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Strong Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
