PENOBSCOT – Ralph Smith Wardwell, 65, died Jan. 14, 2009, at a Bangor area hospital. Ralph was born May 7, 1943, in Castine, the son of Frederick S. and Josephine (Ladd) Wardwell Sr. Ralph attended schools in Castine and started his lifetime career as a house painter, of some renown, in his teens only interrupted by a stint in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he was stationed on the Great Lakes. He enjoyed the outdoors, clamming along the Penobscot River and combing the beaches around Castine looking for buried treasure after a good Maine storm, and in his boat with chosen friends. Ralph is survived by his three children, Josephine M. Gray and husband, Wade, of Lincoln, Archie W. Wardwell of Brownville and William F. Wardwell of Perkionenville, Pa.; as well as five grandchildren, Emily and Justin Gray, Ashley, Nicole and Carter Wardwell; brother, Frederick S. Wardwell Jr.; sister, Sylvia W. Arey and husband, Robert, all of Penobscot; brother, Anthony M. H. Wardwell of Brewer; two stepsisters, Robin Adams of Brewer and Mitzie Adams of North Carolina; niece, Jessica Crocker; nephews, Nathan Wardwell, Robert Arey Jr. and George A. Arey; as well as his two honest and loyal canine companions, Captain Morgan and Freudin. Ralph was blessed with many friends, including three very special friends, Ruth Eaton, Lloyd “Burkey” Billings and Charleen Wiseman. He was predeceased by his parents; and one brother, Arthur L. Wardwell. There will be no service at this time, but those who wish to express their condolences should do so by making a donation to Ralph’s favorite charity, Bangor Humane Society, 693B Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements by Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 28 Elm St., Bucksport.
RALPH SMITH WARDWELL
