Richard Stayner Graves III

Richard Stayner Graves III, 64, of John Small Road, Chebeague Island, died unexpectedly Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at his home on Chebeague Island. Dick was born in Portland on May 19, 1942, a son of Richard Stayner Graves Jr. and Barbara (Ross) Graves. He attended Gorham schools and graduated from Gould Academy in Bethel in 1960.

He worked as a mechanic on farm and industrial equipment for the family business, Graves Tractor Co. in Gorham, until 1979, when his parents retired to Chebeague Island and the business was closed. Dick also worked for Osgood & Sons Equipment in Dixfield, and Thompson Equipment of Gorham and Lewiston.

After retiring Dick moved to the family home on Chebeague Island with his second wife, Judy Allen Graves. He enjoyed helping island neighbors with his mechanical ability, always taking pride in his work, paying attention to detail, no matter what the job.

His other passions were "anything that had wheels and an engine", NASCAR, fishing on his boat in the cove, his yard and gardening. He had a fondness for Chevy Corvettes, especially a 1963 split window coupe he had once owned.

Surviving are his wife of eight years, Judy; two sons; Richard Stayner Graves IV and his wife Shelli of Hebron and stepson Aaron; and George Arthur Graves and his wife LIsa and granddaughter Leah, also of Hebron, and step grandchildren Anna and Austin Wyle; three daughters; Joanna Graves Brenz and her husband Roger of Golf Breeze, Fla.; Sarah Rebecca Graves of Yarmouth; and Martha Graves Berger and her husband Aaron of Bridgton. Also, Judy's children and Dick's stepchildren; Duane Beckwith of Standish and step granddaughter Jacalyn Beckwith; Jodie Rickett and her husband Kris of Windham and step grandchildren Joshua and Kristen Rickett; a sister-in-law, Karen Smith of Standish; many cousins, nieces, nephews and "Cumberland Connection Friend" David Small, and "Sammy Cat".

Dick was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Barbara Graves, and younger brother, Stephen Bennett Graves.

Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, April 24, 2007, from 6-8 pm at Lindquists Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2007, at the Chebeague Island United Methodist Church with a reception following at the parish house. The time is till to be determined. There will be a private burial at a later time.

The Graves Family has created a memorial of Dick's life and it is available at www.mem.com. Please visit Dick's Memorial and share your condolences, memories, and wishes with the Graves Family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: "The Samaritan Fund", Gail Miller ­ Treasurer, 36 Fenderson Road, Chebeague Island, ME 04017 or Chebeague Island Rescue, 13 South Road, Chebeague Island, ME 04017.