PITTSTON – Richard L. “Dick” Quimby, Jr., 83, died at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021. Dick, also known to many as “Bub,” was born on Sept. 10, 1937 to the late Greta (Andrews) and Richard L. Quimby, Sr in Augusta.

Dick graduated from Cony High School in Augusta, where, after spending several years as a senior, he said, “I think they just wanted me out!” He entered the United States Air Force June 22, 1956 and was permanently assigned to Loring Air Force Base, Limestone, Maine, as an aircraft mechanic working on B-52s. He was honorably discharged June 21, 1960. Upon returning home from military service, he rejoined the Kennebec Journal until his retirement in 1995. He also worked several part-time jobs in the local area including Ray’s Sunoco in Hallowell and the Western Ave ESSO.

Dick was most proud of the house he built and the stories of the process, including placing an empty Narraganset can in every cinder block. He had a keen talent for identifying practical solutions to almost any problem, be it mechanical or construction related and was always willing to help. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage, which became a meeting place for family and friends. If you stopped by, you had better be ready for a cold one or two along with some stories.

In his earlier years, he built and drove stock cars at Unity Raceway. He always had a passion for racing, whether it was on Western Avenue, Riverside Drive or on the ovals. In more recent years, he restored a 1941 Ford Super Deluxe, taking it to car shows in Gardiner to hang with his buds.

While he earned the nickname of “Herm” for not wanting to leave his home, he actually enjoyed traveling with his wife Ann. It was always a special time to head to Islesboro (where his dad was from), the “county” (where his mom was from and where he had a part-time job picking potatoes), Toronto to visit the Camerons, camping with some KJ buds, etc.

Dick was predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Ann (Cameron) Quimby, sisters, Lois Grant, Jean Ellis and Rosemary Fortin, brother-in-law, Duncan “Sandy” Cameron; son-in-law, David Wheeler; grandson, Marcus Hall; and a special friend, Shirley Bourgoin.

He is survived by two daughters, Tamara Hall and Shari Quimby, both of Waterville, son, Jim Quimby of Waterville; two stepdaughters, Jamie Waterbury of Farmingdale and Judy Wheeler of Augusta and stepson, Rick Dawson and wife Terry of Vassalboro; sister-in-law Jeri Cameron of Thornhill, Ontario, Canada; Aunt Dot Damon of Augusta; along with 11 grandchildren, Melody Smith, Tiffany Hall, Jason Waterbury, Rachel Waterbury, Allison Myers, Heather Wilson, Katie Wheeler, Ryan Wheeler, Sam Wheeler, Jessica Slater, Mike Hanson; 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Dick also leaves some very special friends including Mel Lunt, Malcolm “Mac” Oliver, Janice Shepard, and Dr. Ramon Cheleuitte.

A very special thank you to the staff of the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta for their professional and dignified care.

There will be no public visiting hours or funeral service. A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

It is “beer o’clock” someplace. We salute you. You’ll be forever missed by family and close friends.