Edward Carl Schlick, 85, of Dresden, passed away quietly at his home on Sept. 10.
He was born on March 5, 1928, in Newark, N.J., the only son of Otto Schlick and Nettie Cunningham. He attended Colby College in 1945 and married Martha Elizabeth Roberts. He enlisted in the Army in 1946, and served in occupied Japan. After his discharge, he attended San Francisco State College with a major in English and a minor in government and history, graduating in 1950.
Returning to Maine, he worked at several jobs before becoming a reporter for the then Lewiston Daily Sun, from 1953 to 1961. He became legislative reporter in 1955, covering Maine’s political events. He left the Sun to become executive secretary for the Maine Democratic Party from 1961 to 1966.
He then founded ARCO (Advertising Research Consultants, later to become ECS Associates), a public relations, research and publishing firm. In that professional capacity, he worked for the AFL-CIO, Maine State Judicial Branch, Health and Welfare, Maine State Library and others. He was an assistant to former Governor Longley and Governor Curtis.
He also worked as an environmental activist, helping to run the campaign that led to closing the Maine Yankee nuclear power plant. He remained politically active into his 80s, being instrumental in starting the Maine People’s Voting Coalition.
His deep appreciation for the natural environment is evident in his many artworks, particularly his landscapes, which are located in various private collections. He was also the author of two books of poetry, ‘Unexpected Arrival’ and ‘Mysterious Victory.’
The family has many happy memories of winter weekends in the A-frame in Carrabassett Village and skiing at Sugarloaf. The Schlick A-frame would resound with the sound of Ed playing a small accordion and singing folksongs or humorous songs of his own composition. In the summer, enjoyable days were spent along the Maine coastline, particularly at Popham Beach, making and flying his own kites. He usually had a project or current enthusiasm on the go, with a creative or original angle to it.
He was an independent thinker, a man of intelligence and humor. Over the years his high ideals and vision have greatly contributed to the people of the state of Maine.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Martha Elizabeth Roberts; and by second partner, Ann McPherson.
He is survived by his son, Carl; daughters, Karen, Maida, and Melanie, and their spouses; grandchildren, Jenn and Brian Schlick, Becky Gudino, Chris Edwards, Nate and Joshua Ray, and Ariel and Gabriel Sibley; and 11 great-grandchildren.
His dear companion in his last years was his rescued shelter dog, Magoo.
A private funeral will be held for the family.
Condolences may be sent to the family at familyschlick@gmail.com. His artwork and writing may be viewed online at schlickstudio.com.
Donations in his memory may be made to any animal shelter.
