Richard Carlton Semmes, 79, of Round Pond, and Fort Myers, Fla., passed away peacefully with family by his side on April 12. Dick fought courageously and bravely for several years after many illnesses, never giving up the battle.
Born on March 17, 1936, Dick was the son of Abby Dolloff Semmes and Carlton Robert Semmes. He lived in Cape Elizabeth prior to moving to the family homestead, Skyline Farms in N. Yarmouth. Following his graduation from high school, Dick attended Maine Vocational-Technical Institute, now SMTC, in S. Portland, where he studied engineering. Hired by North Electric/United Telephone, he traveled the country installing systems for the company. One of his assignments led to Hood River, Ore., and there Dick decided to settle for the next 35 years.
He married, built an A-frame home overlooking Mt. Hood, renovated a home at Kingsley, climbed mountains with his kids, ski patrolled and instructed at Cooper Spur ski area, motorcycled, camped in the desert with his boys, built his 38′ sailboat, Breezin’, and sailed for years in the San Juan Islands. Dick also became a licensed real estate agent and was involved in town politics. He was passionate about the ocean and sailing. He founded the Hood River Yacht Club, designed courses and taught celestial navigation and avidly raced his Santana 22. Retiring from Sprint, he became the general manager of a large, multi-location marina in Portland, Ore., for seven years.
In 1993 Dick returned to Maine to spend time with his mom and bought and began renovating an 1850s farmhouse in Round Pond. In 1995 he met his life partner, Judy Ribeiro, and together they completed the building of their home, travelled for 17 years in their RV across the U.S., and finally settled in Fort Myers for the winter months.
An able, competitive and proficient sailor and navigator, Dick sailed and raced with the Round Pond Cabadetis Boat Club – where Dick was on the board for many years – and won several of the annual Friendship Chowder Cup races. Opportunities to crew and sail with friends for a number of years in Europe was a fulfillment of a lifetime dream. Cruising the Maine coast on one of the numerous boats Dick purchased and renovated with TLC was always an adventure!
He loved his dahlia gardens, the stone walls and land. Always building, renovating or creating, these hobbies brought him great satisfaction, enjoyment and a sense of pride throughout his life. Many fulfilling hours were spent playing his guitars, striving to learn new jazz chords, his favorite music. He had a strong wit, and family and friendships were treasured. Not an insignificant man – he made an impact on everyone he met.
Dick was predeceased by a brother, Donald, and his parents.
He leaves his love and partner, Judy Ribeiro of Round Pond; beloved families, Scott Semmes and wife Konnie of Hood River, Ore., Todd Semmes and wife Kathy of Mt. Hood, Ore., Jennifer Semmes and husband Andy Wilson of Oceanside, Cal., and Kelli Semmes of Hood River, Ore.; his Maine family, Jay Ribeiro and wife Jennifer of Nobleboro, and Janice Ribeiro of South Portland; sister, Sally Pierce of Cumberland and her two sons; and grandchildren, Kaya, Tia, Kianna, Kathryn, Justin and Tyler, all of Oregon, and Julia, David and Sam, all of Maine. Each added a special and proud dimension to his life.
A memorial remembrance will be celebrated this summer both in Maine and in Oregon.
Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to Skyline Farms, now a non-profit organization, P.O. Box 144, The Lane, North Yarmouth, ME 04096.
