PRESQUE ISLE and DEXTER – Rodney S. Pelkey, 96, died Feb. 9, 2011, at Mayo Regional Hospital, Dover-Foxcroft, from complications after a fall. He was born Sept. 10, 1914, in Presque Isle, the son of Orin and Delia (Ryder) Pelkey. Rodney had recently moved to Dexter to live with his daughter and son-in-law.
He farmed all his life on the family farm in Presque Isle. He was a caring, loving man who loved his family, friends, nature and all animals, especially his horses. Those who knew him well would tell you that he had a special relationship with animals, earning him the name of “Horse Whisperer.” He believed that life’s lessons came from paying attention to all things natural and the ways of animals. We have all learned something from the great legacy this man has left.
He will be greatly missed by his only child and son-in-law, Suellen and David Hill, whom he has lived with for the last six years. Also surviving him are the great joys of his life, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Troy Nichols and friend, Becky Sperry, and her two sons, Mitchell and Nathan, of Presque Isle, Scott Nichols and his two children, Paige and Cole of Waldoboro, and Beth and Scott Wintle and their two children, Lexi and Lily, of Dexter. He will also be missed by many special nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his beloved wife with whom he shared 55 wonderful years, Mary Ellen (Robichaud) Pelkey, in January 1992; his parents; a brother, Kilburn Pelkey and his wife, Mildred; a sister, Elsie MacIvor Jordan and her husband, Dan; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jack and Mattie Buck; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Albert and Bessie Robichaud. The family thanks the staff at Mayo Regional Hospital for the wonderful care given our father and grandfather during the last few days of his life. The care and support given our family was greatly appreciated. Also, a special thanks to his faithful friends, Nancy O’Brien, Cheryl Willette, Wayne and Pam Sweetser, Connie and Malcolm MacDuffie and Brian Bulmer, who visited him on a regular basis.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no services at this time. Interment will be held later in the spring with a celebration of his life afterward at the family farm, which is now his grandson Troy’s home. Arrangements were made under the care of Cremation Basics, Inc., Bangor.