CARIBOU – Roger E. Rafford died peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007, with his wife and stepdaughter by his side, at his home after a brief illness. He was born Oct. 10, 1923, in Ashland, one of five sons born to Ralph and Esther (Howes) Rafford. He attended Ashland schools, graduating in 1942, at which time he joined the U.S. Air Force. Roger began serving his country by attending flight radio school, California, where he was trained to be a radio gunner. He survived 35 missions flown over Germany during World War II, in the belly of a B24 bomber plane. This was a miraculous feat considering the average survival rate flown was 7-10 missions. After his tour of duty, he was proud to be honorably discharged and returned home to Maine. Upon his return, Roger worked various jobs throughout his life, including poultry farms in Rockland and Augusta. As a young man returning home, he was involved in his family and community as a member and deacon of the Congregational Church, Hallowell, as well as a Boy Scout leader and Mason. He was a 60-year member of the Pioneer Lodge, Ashland and a member of the National Youth Organization. His love of camping, fishing and hunting was evident in his time spent at his camp on Squa Pan Lake. This piece of heirship property was his pride and joy, and he built years of memories there with family and friends. He enjoyed watching the New York Yankees play baseball and was an avid fan. He was never slow in making this fact known to Boston Red Sox fans. Roger was predeceased by his parents; and three brothers, Arnold, Dwynal and Ralph “Pinkie;” by two wives, Gladys and Charlotte. Roger will be sadly missed by his adoring wife of 13 years, Gloria. He is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Deborah Kidder and Donald of Ashland, Karen Nichols and Norman of Litchfield; a stepdaughter, Lourie Swimm and her boyfriend, James Guy, of Washburn. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Douglas Kidder, Dara (Kidder) McIntire, Justin and Seth Nichols and their spouses. He had a special bond with his stepgrandchildren, Zachary and Kira Swimm and they will miss him greatly. He is also survived by his brother, Richard and wife, Marie, of Illinois, many other family and friends; and will be remembered by his special friend, Hershel Conley of Caribou. Gloria wishes to thank the Caribou Hospice team, who lovingly cared for her and Roger during his illness. A special appreciation from her daughter, Lourie, goes to Bonnie, Ruth, Gail, Audrey and Robin. Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where a funeral will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, with full military honors. Rogers’s body will be laid to rest at the old Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Augusta, in the spring. There will be a reception held locally, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at Gloria and Roger’s home, in Caribou. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Roger, donations may be sent to the United Baptist Church, Caribou, building fund. Condolences may be forwarded to Gloria Rafford, 36 Lower Lyndon St., Caribou, ME 04736.
ROGER E. RAFFORD
