Richard Phipps

Richard Phipps, known to family and friends as Dick, died peacefully in his home on Chebeague Island, Maine, on November 24, 2015, at the age of 88.

Dick is survived by Joan, his wife of sixty-four years; sons Robert, of Portland, ME, and Brian, of Chebeague Island; grandchildren Anna and Sophie (children of Robert and Mary Phipps), and Lucas and Meadow (children of Brian and Sara Thompson-Phipps); sister Jane Skofield, of Walpole, NH; step-sisters Jeanette Chapman, Rio Vista, CA, Alice Haines, Trenton, NJ, and Sister Joy Bourgeois, San Diego CA. He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond Phipps and Mildred Hubbard Phipps, brother William Phipps, twin brother Robert Phipps, and step-brother Julio Fonseca.

Dick was born on September 8, 1927, in New Bedford, MA. He graduated from high school in Baldwin, NY in 1947. In 1951, Dick married Joan Sause, his high school sweetheart and future lifelong companion. Several months after their wedding, Dick was drafted into the Army, serving in Korea in 1951 and 1952. Assigned to a heavy weapons and motor platoon of the 7th Infantry Division, he saw action in Kumwha Valley during one of the bloodiest engagements of the war, and was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service. After discharge, Dick and Joan settled in North Babylon, NY, where Dick worked for contractor J. S. McHugh as a construction foreman. In 1971 and 1975, the couple welcomed children Rob and Brian into their North Babylon home. The family moved permanently to Chebeague Island in 1975, where the Phipps family had summered for generations.

Dick was an accomplished cabinetmaker and draftsman, and an avid boatman. He was intimately involved in the design and renovation of the 18th Century island farmhouse that has for four decades been the Phipps family home. Dick was an active and dedicated member of the Chebeague Island community, volunteering his services for numerous projects, including drafting a redesign of the Island Hall, building display cases for Chebeague Historical Society, and serving on the Volunteer Fire Department. His family and friends remember him as a quiet, kind, gentle and honest husband, father, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend who invariably brought out goodness in others.

A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 30, at 10:00 AM. at the Chebeague Island Methodist Church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dick's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Chebeague Island Commons, 132 Littlefield Road, Chebeague Island, ME, 04017. Condolences can be sent to bphippsfit@gmail.com. The family wishes to thank Chebeague Island Hospice Care Services, Chebeague Island Rescue, and caregiver Kim Martin for their selfless efforts, expert care, and commitment to community service.