Richard William Tonry, 48, of Edgecomb, left us to be with his friends Dwayne and Tim on the morning of July 25.
Born in Boston July 2, 1964, the son of Richard F. Tonry and Phyllis S. (Hussey) Tonry, he attended school in Massachusetts before graduating from Lincoln Academy in Newcastle in 1982.
Richard and his family spent summers in Edgecomb until moving permanently from Boston in 1979.
A master carpenter from a very young age, Richard, with the help of friends, harvested the pine logs to construct his own post and beam home at the age of 19.
Richard started lobster fishing with his father in 1972 and took over command of the boat after his father passed away.
Ten years ago, with the help of Tim Sherman, he built his own boat, the Seaductress, and fished in the Damariscotta River. He was then elected to Zone E Fisherman’s Council, as well as spending time as Deputy Harbor Master for the town of Edgecomb.
He spent his winter months cutting firewood and doing carpentry. Richard frequented Schooner Landing where he volunteered for many events including the Pemaquid Oyster Festival and the Pirate Rendezvous.
Rich lived his life with zest, enjoying extended vacations with his family. He was passionate about his beer, food, women and music. He was often heard saying that, “a good bar stool was better than a booth any day.”
He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and everyone wanted a ticket for the Sunday boat rides. It is often said that Richard was the best friend a guy could have, and he would stop whatever he was doing to listen and help you out. He would do anything for his friends.
Richard was predeceased by his father, Richard Tonry; and mother, Phyllis S. Tonry.
He is survived by his wife, Amber Tonry; children, Christina and John; and brother, David.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 4 p.m., Fri., Aug. 3 at Schooner Landing in Damariscotta.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to The Tonry Family Fund c/o Bath Savings Institution, PO Box 339, Damariscotta, ME 04543 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, 1-800-227-2345, www.cancer.org.
