CASTINE – Richard Davis Stanley, 70, died Feb. 29, 2012, at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Ellsworth. He was born Dec. 3, 1941, in Boston, son of Maine natives, Francis B. and Mildred (McRae) Stanley.
Dick was a graduate of Natick High School, Natick, Mass., and East New Mexico University. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. In 1980, Dick married Karen Waggoner Powell, joining her and her two young children creating a family that truly demonstrated that family was not defined by birth, but by unconditional love. By 1999, Dick and Karen had moved from Connecticut to Maine and after having spent most of his career with 30 years at General Motors Chevrolet Motor Division they opened Stanley Subaru, Trenton. Once the dealership was opened he committed himself, Karen and the dealership to supporting the community. Dick would find a cause and dive in headfirst with support and commitment to the organization. In 2004, Stanley Subaru was the recipient of the New Business of the Year Award the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce awarded. He and Karen became actively involved in the Bridges Program which brings the educational system in to local business to educate them on business needs and they were awarded business of the year for 2002-2003. Dick was a board member of Maine Coast Healthcare Foundation and the SCORE organization, both of Ellsworth. As a board member, Dick had a wonderful way of communicating. He consistently offered thoughtful guidance to ensure the organizations were true to their mission and always reaching for greater outcomes. Ever the optimist and in his own gentle way, Dick encouraged everyone to put forward their best effort. He brightened the lives of others through his compassion and humility. Most remarkable was his ability to engage others in conversation – being present at all times. After every conversation with Dick, you had a sense of fulfillment – a sense your life was better for being part of his life.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 31 years, Karen (Waggoner) Stanley; daughter, Samantha Politte and husband, Mark, of Blue Hill; son, T. Blake Powell of Mystic, Conn.; grandchildren, Madison, Benjamin and Chloe Politte, Emily and Grace Powell; numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Bradley and Robert Stanley. His family expresses sincere gratitude to the many friends, caregivers and medical teams who cared for him during the past four years to support the family along Dick’s journey.
Friends are invited to call 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 4, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, March 5, at Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine, UCC, 68 Main St., Castine. Spring interment will be held at Seal Harbor Cemetery, Seal Harbor. Those who desire may make memorial gifts in Dick’s memory to any of the local charities the Stanley’s have supported throughout the years. Condolences may be expressed at
www.jordanfernald.com.