Final Salute

Richard “Dick” Elliot Pinkham died peacefully May 11 at an Ellsworth hospital. He attended Milbridge High School, graduating in 1946. He was the last of his class of 12. He is predeceased by JC and Dora Strout. He is survived by his cousin, David, and wife, Rhonda Pinkham. He is also survived by his friend Mary Lou Colson and her yorkie, Bella, his daily companions. He will be sadly missed by many. Per his request, there will be no service.

Dick spent his younger years living with his grandmother. JC and Dora Strout of Milbridge took him in at age 12. JC taught farm life, and they raised foxes. Dick was in the Navy from 1948-1952. He was sent to Seabees School in California before returning back to Millbridge. The following spring, Forest Frederick hired him as a dozer operator and he stayed with that company for 15 years. He traveled the state for another 15 years with Dicenzos, operating D8-D9s another 15 years.

After the Navy, he was working road construction in Bucksport when he met Laura Carpenter. They stayed together 30 years off and on.

Later he met Dot West of Steuben. They stayed together for 30 years until she passed. They had many visitors for traditional lobster dinners and shared a love of animals.