Ralph L. Wyman, 69, of Nobleboro, succumbed to his chronic health conditions at Lakeland Medical Center in Florida on March 10, where all of his siblings were with him. Born on Oct. 2, 1943, he was the eldest son of Elnora and Donald Wyman.
Ralph was born in Lewiston and was a life-long dyed in the wool Mainer. He lived in various towns, most notably Turner where he grew up, and graduated from Leavitt Institute where he formed many life-long relationships. Most of his adult life was in Damariscotta where his children were born and raised, and he vastly extended his community of family with many more terrific relationships added to his repertoire. His retirement residence was in Nobleboro.
Ralph was a passionate golfer who probably played every course in the state. His golfing passion developed when he was very young working as a caddy at Martindale Country Club. He also played many golf courses from here to Florida whenever a trip took him south.
Throughout his life, he remained a passionate golfer playing as much as possible on both the MSGA and MSGA Seniors. In his young adulthood he considered turning pro but opted for his greater passion, raising his children and being there in every way possible for them.
In addition to golf, Ralph was a sports enthusiast, having played all manner of sport. Some of his favorites were six-man football at Leavitt Institute, racquetball, baseball and softball as adult pastimes, moving on to coaching when his playing days were over, especially Little League.
Ralph also loved the outdoors. Most importantly in recent years were his trips “upta” camp (brother Bruce’s in Shirley) for hunting, ATVing, family get-togethers, barbecues, cribbage tournaments, and a rare tip of the bottle. Ralph also enjoyed his weekly poker get-together and sends a smiling “I gotcha” to his poker buddies for winning more from them than losing to them. He also enjoyed his ritual coffee clatch expeditions to Nobleboro Village Store most weekday mornings, and McDonalds most weekday afternoons – always social to the end.
Ralph worked at many jobs and careers including, but not limited to, golf caddy, apple picker and orchard tender, dairy farmhand, carpenter, truck driver, as well as retail clerking on up to store manager at Renys in Damariscotta for many years. Then came the job of his dreams, and his best employer ever, when Dr. Douglas S. Hancock hired and trained him to be an optician which he did for over 20 years. In retirement, Ralph worked as a school bus driver and Santa’s helper, which kept him in touch with kids who always brought a smile to his face, a twinkle in his eye, and joy to his heart.
Ralph lived his life with unconditional love and laughter every day, and a determination to live without limits.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Arthur Wyman Jr. and James Wyman.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Diane; children, Chad of Winthrop and Karen of Portland; siblings, Diana Cole and husband Dan of Auburn, Gloria Hinkley and husband Marshall of Buckfield, Herbert Wyman and wife Ida of Lakeland, Fla., George Wyman and companion Linda of Wilton, Charles Wyman and wife Lottie of New Auburn, Bruce Wyman of Lewiston/Minot and Shirley, Martha Pulkkinen and husband Dwinal of Turner, Deborah Conrad and husband John of Oxford, and Richard Wyman of Rumford; sister-in-law, Lisa Wyman of Florida; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all of whom he held dear to his heart.
Memorial service 2 p.m., Sat., March 23 at the Damariscotta Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to Little League, c/o Wells-Hussey American Legion Post #42, PO Box 268, Damariscotta, ME 04543; Damariscotta Fire Department, PO Box 306, Damariscotta, ME 04543; or Damariscotta Lions Club, c/o Mark Potter-Treasurer, PO Box 306, Newcastle, ME 04553.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
