Raymond Douglas Poole, 80, of South Bristol, passed away quietly in his sleep at his home overlooking Johns Bay on July 7, four and a half hours shy of his 81st birthday, with his wife of 58 years by his side.
Ray was born in Boothbay to Clifton and Fannie Pinkham Poole, July 8, 1927. He served in the Navy at the end of WWII. He met Lillian Russell roller skating one evening and they never left each other’s side in 58 years. He started out working for Round Top Dairy and caretaking cottages, several of which he cared for up until his death.
In the early 1960s, starting out on his own, he worked with his father-in-law, Oscar Russell, building whatever needed to be built: docks, sheds, cabinets, birdhouses and outhouses. He was from the old school and could turn his hand to anything electrical, plumbing, etc. A master carpenter / builder right up to his reluctant retirement, he never gave up a set of keys or said no to a fix it job. No was a word he never learned.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman (fresh or salt). Thirty miles out on the golden road was where he was the happiest. When many his age were in Florida during the winter, you would find him snowmobiling or fishing on East Grand Lake, as long as it wasn’t colder than 40 below.
He was quick to laugh and always had a smile on his face, no matter how bad he was feeling. He was always doing “just great” when asked how he was feeling. He loved to watch the wildlife in front of his house, feeding the birds and turkeys, but damn the squirrels! He was always active in the community, school board, Lions Club, a 49 year Mason, and a life long member of the South Bristol Fire Department.
He was always there to lend a hand or help someone out if they needed it. A friend to all and an enemy of none; he was predeceased by a granddaughter, Sarah Ezzell in 1994; and a sister, Barbera Arnall in 2000.
Surviving are his wife and best friend, Lillian of South Bristol; sister, Katherine Norwood of South Bristol; sons, Jeff of South Bristol and Richard of Saco; daughter, Lori Ezzell of Wiscasset; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
At his request, there will be no visiting hours or funeral. Celebration of his life 12 p.m.-4 p.m., Sat., Aug. 16 at his home in South Bristol.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to the South Bristol Fire Department, P.O. Box 150, South Bristol, ME 04568.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
