TENANTS HARBOR – Richard W. “Richie” Hendrick, 55, husband of Anita M. Volpe, died Wed-nesday, Sept. 1, 2004, after a gallant fight against pancreatic cancer at Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport, surrounded by his family. Born in Camden, Aug. 23, 1949, he was the son of Wilson P. and Corine Clark Hendrick. Educated in local schools, he was a 1967 graduate of Camden High School. While in school, he enjoyed playing drums in the band and membership in a local drum and bugle corp. In September of 1969, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After basic training, he served in Vietnam, where he was twice wounded. On one of these occasions, the helicopter he was in was shot down. At the time of his discharge in December of 1970, he had attained the rank of staff sergeant. His two children were born during his marriage to Debra J. Ames of Rockland. The family resided in Camden several years. During that time Richie worked as a salesman with Rockland Ford and for a brief period with a cleaning company in Hampden. He founded Hendricks Tire Company in Rockland, running that business several years and for a few years, owned and operated Camden Street Exxon. In 1987, he moved to Hope, working nights at Knox Woolen Mills and working as owner/ operator of Mid-Coast Fuel Company. At that same time, he attended University of Maine in Augusta, where he earned an associates degree in liberal arts. On Aug. 25, 1990, he married Anita M. Volpe at Children’s Chapel in Rockport. His best man was Joseph Volpe of New York, N.Y., with whom Richie established an enduring and strong relationship. After moving to Tenants Harbor he devoted his time to restoration of his home. Long an antique collector, in 1993, he opened Wilson-Fox Antiques Limited at 427 Main St., Rockland, operating that business until 1998. At the same time, in association with the antique business, he operated an art gallery and was pleased to host local artists. Attending auctions and bidding on box lots were events he enjoyed. In 1999 retiring due to ill health, he continued restoring yet another home in Tenants Harbor. A gifted carpenter and mechanic, Mr. Hendrick’s son said that his father would often diagnose engine problems by listening to a running engine over the phone. Even during his illness, Richie continued working on his family’s cars. A consummate tinkerer, he took great pleasure in repairing and restoring clocks. “If we wanted to know how to do something, we called Dad”, his son said. An avid car buff, he loved watching any auto races, going to car shows, and in earlier years enjoyed riding and building Harley motorcycles. He was a member of the “55”, “56” & “57” Chevy Club. He was a member of the Owls Head Transportation Museum and was passionate about attending their annual summer car auction. He recently was presented a life-time membership in the Tenants Harbor Lodge of Odd Fellows. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Richie will be remembered by his ever-present smile and willingness to help any one who needed his assistance. Dr. Robert Mayer of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston remembered Richie for his courage and enthusiasm. Richie was very close to friends and neighbors in Tenants Harbor, and enjoyed a special and deep friendship with Tim Watts. He also shared a special friendship with his cousin, David Barton, who Richie often referred to as “the brother that he never had.” Richie could often be seen throughout the midcoast area with his best friend, Maxfield, his German Shepherd, who was always riding beside him in any of his various vehicles. Mr. Hendrick will be sadly missed by his wife’s family who supported him during his illness. Richie was greatly loved by Joseph and Jean Volpe and their children of New York, New York and Joan Volpe of Berkeley Springs, W.Va. and all of her family. Predeceased by his father in 1997, Mr. Hendrick is survived by his mother of Camden, his wife, Anita Volpe-Hendrick of Tenants Harbor; one son, Shane W. Hendrick and his wife, Rachael, of Thomaston; one daughter, Rachel Murphy and her husband, Robert, of Cushing; a sister, Sandra L. Carr of Springfield, Va.; four grandchildren, Caleb W. Hendrick, Jullian A., Jarib A., Jocelin A. Murphy. Richie was looking forward to the birth of his fifth grandchild in October. Surviving him as well are many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visiting hours will be held from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland, where a celebration of Richie’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday. A reception will follow at the East Wind Inn in Tenants Harbor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Research, care of Contributions, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115.
RICHARD W. ‘RICHIE’ HENDRICK
