BUCKSPORT – Richard Lloyd Cunningham, 90, of Bucksport died Thursday Aug. 19, 2004, at a Bangor hospital. He was born March 30, 1914, at Sidney, the son of the late Omar and Harriet Cunningham. A wise farmer, woodsman and storyteller, Richard lived a passionate life and was a faithful family man and member of the community. He plowed snow for the Town of Bucksport on the winter crew, worked as a custodian for the Bucksport Police Department, and served as an active member of the North Orland Victory Grange for more than 30 years. In earlier days he sold pulp-wood, ice, and water throughout Down East Maine. Richard’s generous heart was filled with a strong will to live and a deep appreciation for the land. He took enormous pride in his farm- surprising even himself some years with his record potato and cucumber harvests, and grew sweet peas many years for his wife, because he knew they were her favorite. Richard had a great long life and was well loved. His family wishes him a safe journey and will always remember him for his great smile and enduring spirit. Richard is survived by the love of his life, and devoted wife of 62 years, Maida Caroline (Gray) of Bucksport. Together they raised seven children, Ivan and wife, Audrey of Corinna, Orrin (deceased), Ronald and wife, Candy, of Bucksport, Sheila, and husband, Kenneth Gray of Carmel, Stuart and his fianc?e, Jannine of Ft. Pierce, Fla., Amber and husband Robert Burpee, of Bucksport, Brent and his wife, Tina of Wisconsin. He had nine grandchildren, Vicki and husband, Jim Hinckley of Lewiston, Raelynn Cunningham, Lloyd and Matthew Cunningham, Heather and Jessie Gray, Sean Cunningham, Douglas and Daniel Burpee; one great-grandchild, Natasha. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004, at East Bucksport Methodist Church with Pastor Peter Remick officiating. A gathering of conversation and refreshment will follow the service at the North Orland Victory Grange. Arrangements by Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport, ME. Donations in his memory may be made to a Scholarship fund for the Victory Grange No. 538 of North Orland, Care of Ruth Saunders, 88 Upper Falls Road, Orland ME, 04472.
RICHARD LLOYD CUNNINGHAM
