It's Bill, 3/30/25: Small Town Community

Childhood in a Small Town Cemetery

I grew up in the small farming town of Bolton, CT during the 50s and 60s. Our bus stop was across the street in a still active Colonial cemetery, high on a hill, facing East. The cemetery was our playground. Four families shared the bus stop—about 8 of us all together.

The father of the girl next door was an undertaker. Her neighbor, Digger, had 3 young girls. Digger dug fresh graves with a 6’ spade. He gave us M&Ms to stop jumping into the grave. We would come home from school to find beautiful fresh flowers and read the ribbons to figure out who had sent them. Life and death in a small-town community.

Restoring West Quoddy Station

In 2000, I purchased Station Quoddy Head, an ex-USCG Small Boat Rescue Station. The 3 remaining buildings had been vacant since decommissioning in 1970 and were in a basic tear-down situation. I needed to find local contractors right away—including carpenters, painters, electricians, plumbing, heating, and septic installation excavation.

Serendipity prevailed: my septic designer was my roommate from UCONN.

Meeting Ricky Wilcox

When my usual excavator, Sheldon Stanley, was not available, Sheldon recommended Ricky Wilcox. Ricky grew up in a Lubec farming family. Through the years, Ricky and I shared many boyhood farming stories—most of them true.

Growing up in a farm family, Ricky knew hard work and did it well. Ricky encouraged me to join the American Legion as a Son, which he also was. At the Legion, I was introduced to more friends and contractors. Even now, if someone new to Lubec is looking for a contractor, I tell them to go to The Legion. The Legion is a big part of our small-town community.

Ricky’s Illness and Final Days

Last June, Ricky became ill—not sure what was going on. Ricky stopped going to The Legion and instead went to doctors, tests, and more doctors. Ricky’s wife, Tina, transitioned from being the Lubec School principal to being a first-class caregiver.

We all kept in touch with Ricky through Tina. Ricky was always with his Lubec community. Ricky’s condition did not improve despite the many avenues explored.

A Peaceful Farewell

Less than a month ago, Tina took Ricky back home to pass in peace. A hospital bed was set up and friends came in to help Tina and visit. Myself, Lubecers, and college roommates from Presque Isle and others were welcome to visit, which we did.

Ricky passed peacefully this week. Ricky is still with our small-town community. Our Lubec community will always be with Ricky. There will be a Celebration of Life at The Legion.

Tina rests her hand gently over Ricky’s ashes, surrounded by friends at the Lubec Legion—honoring him with his favorite, Captain and Coke.