Lowell “Rig” Simmons, 79, of Damariscotta, passed away peacefully at his home on the afternoon of Jan. 18.
Born on Dec. 13, 1939 in Damariscotta, he was the son of Lowell F. and Flora (Worthley) Simmons.
Rig grew up in Damariscotta, attending local schools and graduating from Lincoln Academy. He entered the U.S. Army where he served as company clerk until his honorable discharge. He married his high school sweetheart, Charlotte Jane Hanley, on Aug. 30, 1958. The couple celebrated 60 wonderful years together before her passing on May 22, 2018.
Rig worked as a mason, carpenter and caretaker on Louds Island for many years. He spent a good portion of his life on Louds Island either building, or rebuilding many of the buildings on the island, and he loved every minute of his time out there.
Rig loved so many outdoor activities; he enjoyed snowmobiling, ice skating, boating, archery, fishing, swimming, water skiing, camping and much more. He loved being outside, always made it fun to learn from him, and he taught many through his time with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. He was a man of many talents and skills, and even raced stock cars at the Wiscasset Raceway for a time.
In addition to being an actual mason, he was also a member of the local Masonic Lodge. When the local lodge was nearing completion, there was a ceremony as Rig placed the final cornerstone.
He had an uncanny connection with animals starting as a young age when he had a pet skunk. That connection remained throughout the years, as Rig had a pet seal on Louds Island, a pair of seagulls, and a pet crow who would visit regularly. Rig was a very outgoing man who enjoyed his time with his family and friends to the fullest.
In addition to his parents, Rig was predeceased by his wife, Charlotte; and daughter, Monica Yeakel-Thompson.
He is survived by children, Vicki Nichols and husband Steve, Lowell Simmons and wife Jennifer, and Scott Simmons and wife Julie; siblings, Marilyn Simmons, Waite Weeks, Annette Rundall, and Dale Orne; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Please join family and friends from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sun., Feb. 3 at the Wells-Hussey American Legion Post in Damariscotta, for a potluck gathering to share food and fond memories of Rig’s life, a man who will be greatly missed.
Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
