BANGOR and MILLINOCKET – Richard John Wheaton, 72, husband of Elizabeth “Betty” (Sawyer) Wheaton, died April 1, 2006, at a Bangor hospital after a long battle with heart disease. He was born Nov. 27, 1933, in Millinocket, the son of Harry and Beulah Wheaton. He graduated from Stearns High School. He was employed for 35 years at Great Northern Nekoosa Corp., where he was a fireman at the Steam Plant. Rich was a devoted fan of UMaine Hockey and tried to attend as many games as he could. If he couldn’t his library of videotapes was extensive. He was a loving husband and father and enjoyed his grandchildren tremendously. They brought so much joy to his life. In addition to his wife of 54 years, “Betty Boop;” he is survived by a son, Mark Steven and his wife, Brenda and their two daughters, Jessica Lyn and Brandy Liz of Millinocket; daughter-in-law, Jonnie Johnson of Brewer; son-in-law, Bill Nichuals of Florida; granddaughters, Stephanie and her husband, Jon Haskins and their children Garrett, Isaac and Avery of Gray; and Michelle and her husband, Scott Trepaney, of New Gloucester; sisters, Mildred Rush and Jackie Soucy; and a special niece, Terri MacDonald. He was predeceased by his children, Richard Jr. and Vicky; his parents, Harry and Beulah Wheaton; sisters, Geneva Sears, Madeline Brawn and Muriel Mason; twin brother, Robert “Bubby;” brothers, Donald, Tommy and Paul “Snooky;” and mother-in-law, Mabel Sawyer. At the request of Richy there will not be a funeral service. Interment services will be held later in the spring at the Millinocket Cemetery. If you would like to send well wishes please mail them to 321 Stillwater Ave., Apt. No. 26, Bangor, ME 04401. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Maine Hockey, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469
RICHARD J. WHEATON
