RALPH O. ESTABROOK

BLAINE – Ralph O. Estabrook, 88, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Caribou, after a brief illness. He was born April 27, 1921, in Blaine, and was a lifelong resident of the area. Ralph was the only son of Frank and Fern (McCarty) Estabrook’s four children. He married Eleanor Chase and their children survive, Harletta and Robert Stewart of Ohio, Frank and Lorraine Estabrook of Oklahoma and Maine, Ralph and Renee Estabrook of Texas, and Marla Raymond of Blaine. After Eleanor’s death in 1997, Ralph later married Helen Prest and welcomed her five adult children to his family, Greg and Joan Prest of Maine, Calvin and Frances Prest of Maine, Dana and Jill Prest of Florida, Dawna and Warren Grass of Maine, and Cindy and Steve Cole of Florida. Ralph proudly served his country for four years during World War II under Gen. George Patton. After his tour of duty, he held various factory, farm and office jobs before ending his working career as a civilian station chief at Loring Air Force Base Fire Department, retiring in September 1978 with more than 30 years of federal service. Ralph always enjoyed all that the great outdoors of Aroostook offered. As owners of Secret Pond Camps, Patten, for 10 years, he and Eleanor formed lasting friendships with a number of sportsmen and their families. Whether it was hunting, fishing, tending his vegetable garden, growing gladiolus, picking potatoes and fiddleheads, or gathering sap to make maple syrup in his sugar shack, he loved being active. He was generous with the fruits of his labor, showing up unannounced at the homes of older relatives, friends and shut-ins with maybe a bag of potatoes, a mess of greens, jug of syrup or a bouquet of glads. Never one to sit around, Ralph was known for his construction and remodeling skills. He was a hard worker right up to the last few months of his life and always had a daily list of projects that kept him busy. Ralph was no stranger indoors either. When Eleanor’s health began failing, he showed his colors by taking over all the housekeeping chores and was very proud of his mean boiled dinners. He took a great deal of kidding over his obsessive neatness as every tool, nut and nail had its place in the garage, and he kept the house clutter-free too. Inasmuch as the first grandchildren were now older adults living out of state, Ralph in his sunset marriage derived an unexpected measure of pleasure from Helen’s grandchildren who lived nearby. He took great pride in providing them with a sleepover room furnished with a television, microwave, and other creature comforts for ages ranging from toddlers to young adults. His candy treats were not just for Halloween either! In the spring of 2000, Ralph mourned the passing of his friend, Lewis Libby whom he considered his brother, so close was their relationship. Their weekday ritual was a phone call just before supper to hash over the day’s events and enjoy some good-natured ribbing. Ralph’s family wishes to acknowledge Michael Kilcollins for being his Uncle Ralph’s right hand man after Eleanor’s death. Mike could always be counted on for whatever was needed and provided untold hours of faithful company. Such are mere fractions of treasured memories from a life fully lived and now at rest. As we who loved him dearly were enriched by our loved one’s life, we are left painfully impoverished with his death. Ralph is survived by his wife, Helen; along with daughters and sons previously mentioned from each marriage. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren from his first marriage, and 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren from his second marriage. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his first wife, he was predeceased by his three sisters, Verna Pryor, Rosalene Mullen and Helen Hall and their husbands. Graveside services with military honors will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Tapley Cemetery, Blaine, with Pastor Gardner Smith officiating. Those who wish may make donations in Ralph’s memory to the American Cancer Society, Maine Division, 1 Main St., Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan Funeral Home, Mars Hill. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.