HERMON – Richard “Rick” Emile Tillson left his earthly home to join many loved ones, who were there to meet him in his heavenly home on March 10, 2022. Rick fought a tough and courageous battle with gastric cancer for almost two years. His journey ended peacefully at home in his wife’s arms and surrounded by his loving families.

Rick was born, a cowboy at heart, on March 1, 1949 in Augusta. His father, Richard E. Tillson of Sidney, his mother, Therese Breton Tillson MacPhee and “Dad” Gerald MacPhee of Gardiner, predeceased him. He was also predeceased by a very special mother-in-law Elaine Alexander Strout, father-in-law, Robert Strout and sister-in-law, Melanie Strout Randall, all of Bradford.

Rick will be deeply missed by the love of his life and wife of 40+ years, Sheree Strout Tillson; daughters: Trisha Tillson Wadowski and Sheri Ann Tillson Tracy; grandchildren, Olivia and Brayden Wadowski, Tyler Simlick; sisters: Linda Tillson Dyer, Deborah Tillson Everett and companion Rick, Lisa Hillman and husband Tom; in-laws, Carolyn Strout Brasslett and husband Larry, Eugene Strout and wife Donna-Marie, Errol Strout and fiancée Debra Havel, Jeff Randall and wife Becky; a very special Uncle Ed Tillson and companion Nancy; nephews Joseph and Aaron Brasslett who are like sons; special family friend Curt Olson. He was honored to be a Godfather to Emilie Hillman, Kaleb Roberts and Kasie Roberts Kinney. He’ll also be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Rick attended Brewer High School. In 1967, he enlisted in the US Army. He completed boot camp at Fort Hood, Texas and then stationed in South Korea as a Sentry Dog Handler. Returning to Maine in 1969, he held various trucks driving jobs. In December of 1977 he was hired as a truck driver/company liaison for AC Electric in Bangor. Rick traveled Waterville to Fort Kent weekly, making initial contact to establish new accounts for start up of the Bangor shop, then servicing these accounts until he retired in May of 2011. That summer, Rick found his real niche and passion for helping people as a Van Driver for Northern Light Acadia Hospital. He quickly became known for his smile, cowboy boots, and “swagger” as he came down the hallway. His manager once said, “He is appreciated and loved by everyone”. He developed lifelong friends with his Acadia family. Due to his illness, he left his most rewarding career in 2020.

Rick’s passion to help people grew stronger while working at Acadia. Patients would share heartbreaking stories, especially the children. Their stories made him wonder how he could make a difference in their lives. Rick had also lost many family members to cancer. He realized that mental health, addiction or cancer touches almost everyone in some way. These heartaches sparked his idea for fundraisers. With Sheree at his side, they purchased a food trailer with all profits used for philanthropy purposes. Out of his love of cars and desire to help, “Wheels for Hope” was created. The People’s Choice car show started in 2017, raising thousands of dollars through the years. Proceeds were split between Champion the Cure and Northern Light Acadia Hospital.

Rick treasured the time he spent with Sheree, they always worked side-by-side in everything they did. His kind, caring heart certainly showed while assisting with the care of his mother-in-law, Elaine, for the 3 ½ years while she lived with them. He loved spending time with his families and friends and was always the first one to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed cruising with Sheree in their Mustang, hunting, fishing, camping with special friends, horseback riding, watching westerns (color or black/white), especially featuring John Wayne, roller skating as a teenager, working in his garage and visiting covered bridges. Everyone wanted him on their team for a game of Trivia Pursuit. He referred to himself as the “fountain of useless information”.

Rick was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Andrews Masonic Lodge #83 A.F. & A.M., Bangor, Anah Shrine, past member of the Anah Funster Unit, past board member of Operation Lift-off and committee member for the May Day Ride event. He also volunteered for Adventures in Healthcare – Camp Survivor.

Rick never wanted to be treated differently, so many people never knew of his illness. He was so happy to move into their new home in 2021. He spent his last year clearing the land, doing groundwork, landscaping, building an extension on the deck with Uncle Ed and overseeing the building of a new garage. Rick’s deep love for Sheree gave him the strength to keep fighting his battle, and making sure everything was completed for her.

“When the road looks rough ahead, remember the Man Upstairs’ and the word H-O-P-E. Hang onto both and tough it out” – John Wayne.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

Donations can be sent in Rick’s memory to:

Northern Light

Health Foundation

PO Box 931

Bangor, ME 04402-0931

Please write “Wheels for Hope” on the memo/comments of your check so it will be processed correctly or at https://northernlighthealth.org/GiveAcadia and write Wheels for Hope in the comment box

Copy the Story Link