RUMFORD – Richard Ellsworth Haines, 73, of Peru, died Tuesday afternoon at Rumford Community Hospital.
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He was born in Houlton, June 19, 1936 , the son of Verna Haines McGill and received his education in New Brunswick schools and graduated from high school as class valedictorian in 1954. He was a former member of the Army National Guard and worked as a self-employed diesel mechanic for many years.
He worked at Hilltop Body Shop in Jay for several years, Chadbourne’s Mill, and at O’Donald’s Express as a truck diver. He was an accomplished bluegrass musician and played in the “Pine Tree Bluegrass Band” with his son Carl and also the “Shiloh Mountain Boys.” He also offered music lessons and stringed instrument repairs as well.
Mr. Haines enjoyed hunting, motorcycle trips to New Brunswick on his Harley, and attending bluegrass festivals. He was a member of the Bluegrass Association of Maine and the Dixfield Congregational Church.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia (Durrell) Haines of Peru whom he married June 28, 1980 in Dixfield; daughters, Deborah Peterson and her husband Bob of CA, Laura Pepin and her companion Doug Duguay of Dixfield, Lorraine Clukey and her husband John of Poland, Karen Shaw and her husband Troy of New Gloucester, and Janet Haines of Peru; sons, Billy Haines and his wife Darlene of FL, Jimmy Haines of MA, Earl Haines of Farmington, NH, Carl Haines and his wife Lauren of Farmington, NH; a special cousin, Charlotte Soloway of Rhode Island; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother and a son, Richard W. Haines.
Public memorial services will be held on Saturday at 4 p.m. from the Dixfield Congregational Church. Following services, a time of refreshment and fellowship will be held at his home at 207 Dickvale Road in Peru where the family asks that all musicians bring their instruments to play. Those who desire may make memorial contributions to the Dixfield Congregational Church. Cremation services are being provided by the Wiles Remembrance Center of Dixfield and Gracelawn Memorial Park, Auburn. Condolences may be sent to the family at info@wilesrc.com.
