CAMDEN, Maine — Locals driving down Washington Street are missing a familiar smile and friendly wave on their morning commutes, so they’re raising money for a bench that would serve as a permanent reminder of their “Waving Man.”
Kermit “Kert” Ingraham Sr. died on Nov. 27 at age 87. His ritual of parking his motorized scooter at the roadside outside 63 Washington St. made him a local icon, even inspiring a Don McLean song titled “Waving Man.” If the weather wasn’t too cold or foul, people expected and hoped to see him out there.
“He brought a little cheer to everyone, and all it took was a wave and a smile,” said Peter Rollins, who owns Midcoast Limo on Washington Street and drove past Kert every day during his commute. “Everybody around here knew about Kert. Some people would go out of their way to go down this road and see him.”
Now, a small memorial stands outside the assisted-living facility where Ingraham spent the closing years of his life. Ingraham’s red Victory scooter sits on the grass outside, surrounded by American flags, wreaths and a sign that reads “In memory of Kermit Merry Ingraham, ‘The Waving Man,’ June 13, 1929-November 27, 2016.”
Rollins said he misses seeing Ingraham, whom he only knew from his daily wave and a few minutes of small talk at the side of the road over the years. So, he’s started a GoFundMe account in an effort to raise $2,000 to build a “waving bench” and small garden near the spot where Ingraham spent his days waving.
“It’s such a loss for the town,” Rollins said.
Ingraham’s waving started around 2011, when during smoke breaks at the side of the road he started waving to passers-by, according to previous media reports. Many drivers waved back or honked their horns. At one point, the assisted-living facility had to put out a sign asking people to wave rather than honk, according to Rollins.
He hopes to have the bench installed and landscaping done in the spring.
Any money left over after installing the memorial will be donated to the assisted-living facility at 63 Washington St., Rollins said.
Rollins said he believes the project will move forward regardless of whether the $2,000 goal is reached. He said he and a few friends would be able to get it done either way, but opening up the fundraising effort gives the entire community a chance to get involved with the project, he said.
Follow Nick McCrea on Twitter at @nmccrea213.