ROLAND ARTHUR LIBBY

CUSHING – Roland Arthur Libby, 64, a retired engineer and avid outdoorsman, passed away unexpectedly Feb. 13, 2007, in Cushing. Roland was born May 26, 1942, the son of the late Richard W. Libby and the late L. Phyllis (Gallagher) Libby of Limestone. After graduating from Limestone High School in 1960, Roland studied at the University of Maine, obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering. While attending the university, Roland joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he met many lifelong friends. A longtime resident of Orrington, Roland relocated to Cushing in 1998. During his career as an engineer, Roland worked all over the state in various industries. In the later years of his career, Roland worked as an independent consultant, most recently for the FMC Corp., Rockland, until he retired in 2003. Throughout his life, Roland had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. A capable woodsman, hunter and sailor, his numerous outdoor pastimes also included hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Roland was rarely happier then when he was in the woods with his hunting buddies and his bird dogs at his side. He also greatly enjoyed sailing on his family’s sailboat, Arawak. At age 45, he undertook a life-long dream when he and his family sailed the Bahamas for a year. He also enjoyed bowling and dancing, particularly the jitterbug. As a handyman, he could repair or make just about anything. He used his carpentry skills on his much-loved property in Cushing, where he constructed a multistory tree-house for his grandchildren, and a cabin complete with a dance floor, pool table and hot tub for his friends. Roland enjoyed sharing his stories, mostly true, skills and knowledge with others. While active in the U.S. Power Squadron, he taught introductory and advanced sailing courses. After he retired, he volunteered at the Rockland Senior Spectrum as an instructor of computer courses. Roland perhaps enjoyed most sharing his knowledge of the woods and the water with all that were interested. Predeceased by his brother, Roger Libby; and sister, Gail Tweed, Roland is survived by his stepmother, Regina Libby of Boynton Beach, Fla.; son, Ward R. Libby of Washington, D.C.; daughter, Jean C. Bunker and son-in-law, Charles Bunker of East Taunton, Mass.; daughter, Dr. Meredith L. Pridham and son-in-law, Darin Pridham of Westminster, Md.; and grandchildren, Nicholas, Michael and Liam Bunker, and Jack, Emma and Kate Pridham. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Second Congregational Church, 607 South Main St., Brewer, with the Rev. Scott Cleveland officiating. Visiting hours will be 1 p.m. until the time of service. A reception will be immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Georges River Land Trust, 328 Main St., Studio 305, Rockland, ME 04841.