LEE – Wayne E. Dicker, beloved husband of Donna M. Dicker, passed away peacefully Nov. 2, 2006, at Penobscot Valley Hospital, Lincoln, after a brief but intense battle with cancer. He was born Feb. 27, 1933, in Webster Plantation, the son of Ralph E. and Blanche (Hurd) Dicker. He attended elementary schools in Carroll and Springfield, and graduated from Lee Academy in 1951, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He received basic training at Fort Dix, N.J., and was deployed to Korea, where he served in the 45th Infantry Division until the war ended July 1953. En route to Korea he received specialized training in mechanics at Eta Jima, Japan, which placed him in charge of a strategically located motor pool in Yong Dong Po, outside of Seoul. He achieved the rank of staff sargeant by age 20. He returned from Korea September 1953, to marry Donna Mallett, the girl he had fallen in love with in 1949, when they were both students at Lee Academy. After a 30-day leave, he was assigned to duty in Fort Eustis, Va., and for nearly three years he and Donna lived in nearby Williamsburg, Va., until he received orders for duty in France and Germany in 1956. While in Germany, he attended the 7th Army NCO Academy and graduated in the top third of his class. However, the 15-month separation from his family, which by then included two young sons, prompted his decision not to re-enlist. He returned to civilian life July 1957, and soon after was employed at Forster Manufacturing Co., Mattawamkeag, where he remained for 37 years in various supervisory positions. He bought a home in Lee, within a stone’s throw of Lee Academy, where he and Donna first met and where their sons also completed their high school career. He was a devoted husband and father and a loving friend to all of his family members. Over the years his quick wit and sense of humor added special moments to their many happy family gatherings. Wayne retired from Forster Manufacturing Co. in 1992, but kept active and busy with everyday pleasures. He enjoyed planting and nurturing a vegetable garden and was often complimented on his well-groomed yard and flower gardens. He and Donna were able to take vacations together and traveled with friends several times back to Virginia and the area where they first lived as newlyweds. Though a somewhat private person, Wayne was a friend to all, always willing to help a neighbor or lend a hand wherever needed. He loved the town of Lee and enjoyed the local people. His days typically started with greetings and a cup of coffee at the local store, followed by a ride in his pickup to a favorite spot where he could watch the sunrise and reflect on the miracle of a new dawn. His favorite time of day was early morn, and spring his favorite time of year. He said they represented new beginnings and a promise of things to come. Survivors, besides his wife, Donna, include two sons and their companions, Gary and Donna of Hinsdale, N.H., Kennard “Kenny” and Carol of Hamilton, N.J.; two grandsons, Travis Dicker and fiance, Jen, of Danielson, Conn., and Adrian McComb and wife, Amanda, of Bangor; one granddaughter, Shannon Dicker of Webster, Mass.; three great-grand-children, Shauna, Adrian Jr. and Logan; brothers, Kenneth of Lee, Bernard and com-panion, Ronnie, of Bangor; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathleen and Richard Gallupe of Hampden, Thelma and Durward Worster of Kingman and Riverview, Fla., Elinor Jean and Rod McLaughlin of Carmel, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by some very special friends and they all know who they are. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral or visitations. Wayne didn’t like good-byes. His typical farewell when departing from family and friends was “see you later” …words of meaningful comfort to his loved ones at this time. Gatherings to celebrate Wayne’s life will be planned at a future time. Anyone wishing to contribute to his memory may donate to the American Cancer Society, care of Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln, ME 04457. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com