Condolence: Rookie will also be missed at our home next door to Serena. After 5 years without stairs on our deck, he decided one morning to head next door and build them—to my surprise and delight! We were so lucky to have him as a friend. Rookie kept me going with my hobby of running because I wanted to drop in on him often as he was building Tana’s home a short distance from our home. We was truly a joy to talk with. Walter and Barbara Parks

Condolence: When I heard of Ronnie's death my first thought was that something special and unique had gone from the world. It does seem like life in midcoast Maine is less interesting without him.

Condolence: I was lighting my wood stove the other day with one of those free newspapers that comes in your mail box and spotted a name on the back page that I recognized. Then to my horror I saw what column it was in. I’m sorry to have missed the gathering of friends and family for storytelling. I met Ron back in the late 80's when he would frequent the Rockport Apprenticeshop to shed light on a project we were working on and generally spread his wisdom. Don't know how many have heard the story of Ron's sailing adventure but one fall, after starting my own boatyard, I needed crew to deliver a Marshall 22 catboat from Duxbury to Camden. Ron was up for the experience. It started with the drive down where we needed to stop at a couple of junk yards in his old stomping grounds near Andover to pick up some piece of junk from a buddy of his to fix some other piece of junk Ron was working on at home. Before getting on board we did the food shopping and Ron collected up enough food to cover three of us for the next four days. You would think we were headed out on a 'Love Boat' cruise of wining and dining. We had just enough wind to keep the boat moving, but not too fast. The trip took about 36 hours, sailing through the night. To keep us from falling asleep at the wheel, Ron kept up his usual storyline. I can't remember if it was just one story or 36 stories all linked together with some common thread. The only thing that interrupted the stream was his occasional heave over the side in response to the rolling seas. He would pick up the story, right where he left off, without a hitch. We arrived in Camden, off loaded nearly all the food we had put on the boat, and got back to life ashore. Ron headed for the only known cure for seasickness (to sit under a tree). I don't recall him ever asking to go sailing with me again. Over the years I would bump into Ron at a surprising number of odd places. One Halloween while trick or treating with our two sons we rang a doorbell and there was Ron handing out candy from a friend’s house. I'd stop for breakfast at one of the many diners in our area and Ron would be sitting at the counter finishing up, but would stick around and finish a story while I ate. He would come to Spruce Head to visit his friends Ben and Nancy and always stop by my shop to make sure we were still doing it right. I'll miss his surprise visits and the great advise that came with them.

Condolence: My thoughts go to everyone. Rookie was my kissing cousin. When we were growing up I don't think that there was a time that we forgot to give each other a kiss before saying good bye. I'm blowing you a kiss right now cousin Rook, until we meet again. Love you Pam St.Jean Muller, Windham, NH

Condolence: Hey Rockie, I'll miss your endless stories, and about your architectural concepts, I'll always remember the time you came and visited me at the Knox Center you said that you had a fondness for insitutional food, we must have had some good laughth\'s over the years! Sorry you you had to leave use so young; at heart, spirit, and mostly of mind. Just as my cousin whould say(Alan Shea),"I love you Man"!

Condolence: Rookie was walking by my house on Central Street when all the lights on the East Coast went out in 1965. Rookie knocked on our door, and he & I sat all night at our kitchen table by candlelight, talking about anything and everything. What a special guy he was!

Condolence: Rook was my cousin and most certainly a piece of work. He was never boring. He was larger than life in so many ways. I really loved that guy and when i was told of his passing i was deeply shocked and greatly saddend. I somehow thought that he was bullet proof and would be around forever. I will miss our phone conversations and his visits. I have many great memories from our times together.

Condolence: Rook and I crossed paths at OHTM this past Oct. We joked about the future of the fiberglass Allard J2. Since Ron spent many hours with his buddy making that body from my original J2 and neither of us have finished yet, I hope someone gets his finished for him. He shared many reminiscences about the former Abbot dairy/horse farm where I now reside. He will be missed by all. Condolences to family and friends.

Condolence: Dear Serena & Tana, Well I’m not sure where to start …. Rocco, Ron, Rookie, the guy with the huge head and even bigger heart… was always a conundrum to me. I never quite understood his ever present lament that he was a “recovering negative person”. Yes, he cast a critical eye on the world and the folly (incompetence) of others but it was always with a such a generosity of character that you just kind of wished they had listened to him in the first place – he was most likely right. Regardless, he was always cheerful even in his darkest moments and a great friend. I will miss our endless discussions regarding pocket Victorians, the best ways to straighten a stainless steel rain channel and the ever expanding exploits of the Buicke(sp?) Valentini. Am so sorry I can’t make the story telling session tomorrow night …perhaps we can have a reprise at Owls Head this summer…. All my best, t

Condolence: Rookie and I go back as long ago as Jane and I do....40 years! As a matter-of-fact, Rookie coined my college nickname, Dilly. Rookie was life personified. He was always spirited, enthusiastic, energized. He was creative and talented. He always seemed truly interested in what was going on in your life. His legacy is his wonderful and equally talented daughters. A presence like his is irreplaceable. Our condolences to Rookie's wonderful family. Dolores & Dick Albrecht

Condolence: It\'s really wonderful to read all the remembrances from so many who are spread far and wide. Rookie had a kind heart and was always full of fun stories.

Condolence: I am Susie's niece. I wanted to offer my condolences to the family and although I was unable to meet Ron from what I can tell he was a wonderful man. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Condolence: No one who ever met Rookie could possibly forget him! Of all the stories that he told (and told, and told!), he got the brightest light in his eye when he was proudly sharing tales of his two daughters! He will sorely missed!

Condolence: Rookie treasured us all, family and friends. His love was enduring and unconditional. He always kept each of us within his big heart. His spirit will be with me always. I love him dearly.

Condolence: Well Ron,you lived the life you wanted, not many can say that. My condolences to the family

Condolence: Rocco will be so missed by all his friends at Liberty Tool Co.

Condolence: Dad I miss and love you. You've taught me so much in the time we spent together. I will never forget the story telling, the laughter, and the life lessons. I am so glad we got to visit Graceland together. Thank You for building me a house I've found comfort there and I know you are there with Camden and me. You will be greatly missed. Thank all for the kind words. Love You Dad!

Condolence: I was so sad to hear of the passing of my boyhood best friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill and Jane and the rest of Rookie,s family and friends. I remember the time during a school vacation that we went fishig at the Horn Brige near Rookie\'s House. His mother came along to be sure we did not fall in the river. She was the one who fell in and rushed home ahead of us to dry off. Rookie and I went exploring in the woods on our trip home,and hours later his mother called the police to help find us. Rook and I arrived at the house just as the police were pullig in the door yard.

Condolence: Ronnie will be sorely missed for his generosity of spirit, brilliant mind, kind heart, big laugh, many creative talents and much more. I'm only sorry not to have spent more time with him. A man of his depth and goodness is a rare gift indeed to the lives he shared his time with.

Condolence: An incredible man...and a great friend. I am so grateful that I had the chance to really know Ron and yes he had the stories. I will miss him and pray that God will be with him, watch over him and guide him. Ron, I'll have a extra cup of coffee for you at the hang out!!

Condolence: I met Ronnie in the early 70's. Ronnie and i clicked immediately but Ronnie "clicked" with everyone.I was in close contact with him for the longest time but unfortunately lost touch with him but always remembered fondly the time I had with him. He was on the top ten list of fascinating people I had ever met. He will be missed. Stephen and Wendy Goff New Brunswick Canada

Condolence: My husband and I were saddened to learn of Rons passing. He was our neighbor for many years and always a pleasure to see out and about. He was the best story teller, always able to pull one up on a moments notice. He especially loved telling stories of his daughters. He loved you so.. It was a usual thing to see him sitting at mic mac reading... I hope he didn't suffer, and is at peace. He was too young to die..he will be missed by the people of Union.

Condolence: I remember Ron, as I knew him, from work done on a volvo of mine, and also for the work done on the Lincolnville Town Office foundation. Mosat recently, I reconnected with Ron at the Owls Head Museum a week ago on Thursday, December 16th. We all talked about old times and what the most recent effort Ron had been into. Ron will be missed by all who knew him.

Condolence: I went to our Senior Prom with Rookie at Andover High School. In fact, half way through the prom night we traded dates with another couple. Our families were friends in Andover. I am saddened. We had a phone conversation last year that was typical of Rookie. Funny and conversations of all the interesting things he had been doing. So sorry to all his family.

Condolence: Rook,My big brother, I loved you,always looked to you for advise and help throughout my life.I have many wonderful memories,of Mom and Dad ,letting you buy a car for 50.00 at 12 years old!!!Then allowing you to drive it thru the back fields!!Anything with an engine from the time I can remember was a good time for you.I could go on... I'll miss you love Jane

Condolence: I am proud to say that I have know Rookie most of my life - 58 years. I rode ponies with him as a child. He fixed vehicles for my family and me as a young adult and I shared adventures with him when I moved to Maine. My family and I will miss his smile, his caring and his great stories.

Condolence: Catherine describes so well the Rookie that we have always known and loved. The family has lost a great human being and he will be dearly missed by his cousins.

Condolence: Thank You everyone for your support and kind words. We would love to hear from you. My address is 12 Lakeshore dr. Sterling, ma 01564 Thank You we will all Miss him.

Condolence: You don't meet many living legends in your lifetime. Ronnie was one. His death has left a huge hole in the spirit of the midcoast. A big hearted guy, brilliant, funny, a charming ladies' man and a man's man too, always a storyteller with a memory like a steel trap, gifted, generous with his time and patience. I will miss him terribly. So will Will. His wonderful smile full of love. I'll miss that the most. We are all heartbroken.

Condolence: I am a waitress at the Come Spring Cafe that Ron frequented daily. I would like to convey my condolences to his family. He will be missed at our establishment.