LUBEC – James W. “Buddy” Quirk, 77, passed away June 23, 2005, after a long battle with cancer. He was born July 28, 1927, in Lubec, the son of Thomas and Laura (Kelly) Quirk. Buddy’s mother died in a house fire when he was 10 months old. She died while saving him from the fire. From then on, Buddy’s aunt, Bessie Quirk, raised him as her own son. Buddy was a veteran of World War II, having entered the Navy in 1944. He was stationed aboard the USS Namakagon, a fuel tanker that traveled the Pacific Theatre. In 1946, Buddy was discharged and returned to Lubec, never to leave again. He graduated from Lubec High School in 1947. Buddy was employed for many years by the R.J. Peacock Canning Co. In the 1950’s he worked on the construction of the Naval Communications Unit at Cutler, working at the Base until his retirement in 1982, as captain of the Fire Department. After his retirement, he went to work at Booth Packing Co., later Lubec Packing, retiring a few years ago. He always had to stay active, so even in recent years he mowed cemetery lots, performed odd jobs for people, was caretaker at several homes, and was always willing to lend a hand to someone who needed help. Buddy was a lifetime member of the Lubec Volunteer Fire Department, Stuart Green Post 65 of the American Legion, and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Lubec. He also faithfully attended Alcoholics Anonymous for the past eight years. In addition to his parents; he was predeceased by two sisters, Elizabeth Dineen of Biddeford, and Annie Murray of Lubec. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Thelma; two sons, Richard and his wife, Avis, of Searsport; and Roger and his wife, Karen, of Lubec; three grandchildren, Richard of Humble, Texas, Megan of Searsport, and Lauren of Lubec. “Grampy Bud’s” grandchildren were the light of his life, and he enjoyed spending special times with each of them. Buddy is also survived by several nieces and nephews; and three great-grand-children. Buddy is also survived by his best friend of 72 years, Harold Taylor of Middletown, Md. Even though Harold lived far away, he and Buddy always kept in touch, and loved to talk about “the old days.” Buddy’s family would like to extend a special thanks to everyone who helped through their recent difficult times, especially Dennis and Maureen Lewia; Phil Turkington and Mary Lou Quinn, and the wonderful, caring staff at Oceanview Nursing Home, where Buddy spent the last seven weeks of his life. As per Buddy’s wishes, there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday, June 27, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lubec, with the Rev. James Gower, officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Church, P.O. Box 63, Lubec, ME. Arrangements are in the care of McClure Family Funeral Services, Lubec.
JAMES W. ‘BUDDY’ QUIRK
