SWANS ISLAND – Frederick William “Ricker” Ranquist, 87, died Sept. 2, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at Mount Desert Island Hospital. He was born Sept. 6, 1923, on Swans Island, the son of Charles E. and Clementine E. (Robbins) Ranquist Sr.
Ricker was a decorated U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and served in the Pacific Theatre. He was a longtime fisherman and enjoyed gardening.
He loved to be with people and was fun loving, caring and compassionate. Ricker was a community servant and served on the planning board and was a selectman. He was the founding member of AA on Swans Island. He was a faithful member of Advent Christian Church for 50 years where he served as a lay person.
Ricker, who was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, is survived by his loving wife, Beulah (Withee) Ranquist; two sons, Leslie Ranquist and wife, Rhonda, and Timothy Ranquist, all of Swans Island; five daughters, Leah Henderson and husband, Ron, of South Portland, Linda Reinhardt and husband, William, of Hancock, Donna Donley and husband, William, of Scarborough, Jean Ranquist of Swans Island and Norene Bishop of St. George; special friend, Dolores Roberts of Bangor; four sisters, Rosalie Ranquist of Florida, Beverly Turner of Dexter, Betty Tosier and Elaine Overlock, both of Bass Harbor; and a brother, James “Sammy” Ranquist of Swans Island. Known as “The Best Papa in the World” he is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren with two to come, and many nieces and nephews. Ricker was predeceased by four brothers, Charles, Herbert, Carlton and Buddy; and a sister, Freda.
Visitation will be held 11 a.m.-noon when the funeral service begins Friday, Sept. 9, at Atlantic Baptist Church, Swans Island, with the Rev. J. Max Creswell presiding. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Swans Island. Those who desire may make contributions in Ricker’s memory to Swans Island Bread of Life Food Pantry, care of Rev. H. Kenneth Dutille Jr., Swans Island, ME 04685 or American Legion Hancock Post No. 207, P.O. Box 8076, Trenton, ME 04605. Arrangements in care of Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at
www.jordanfernald.com.