WINSLOW – Benjamin Bird Twitchell III, 77, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023 after a long and valiant battle with prostate cancer.

Born in Portland in 1945 to Capt. Benjamin B. Twitchell II and Gloria (Wing) Twitchell, Ben grew up in South Paris. He met his future bride and love of his life, Linda Aldrich, when he was just 15 years old. After graduating from Oxford Hills High School in 1963, Ben enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for four years. He and Linda were married in August of 1965 and were never far away from one another for the 57 years of their marriage.

After the Air Force, Ben moved back to Maine and started a career working for New England Telephone. He worked his way up into management, continuing through various iterations of the phone company, and retired early after 26 years of service from NYNEX in 1995.

Always restless and looking for something to do, Ben became a school bus driver upon his retirement, and served that role for 22 years for the Vassalboro School Department. He loved “driving bus” and the connections he made with students and families, and also represented bus drivers in union contract negotiations.

Always civically and community minded, Ben was involved in many organizations throughout his life. He participated in DeMolay, the Masons, the Lions Club, bowling leagues, Little League coaching, and as a Boy Scouts of America leader in four different troops across the state.

During his bus driving years he became interested in politics and ran for Winslow Town Council, where he served nine years. After his retirement from the telephone company he also became a bit of a handyman, doing odd jobs for folks in the community. Ben always loved a project, whether he was the one doing it or overseeing the work being done.

Ben will be remembered by his generous heart, his championing of the underdog, pride in his country, but mostly his fierce love and protection for those he loved, especially his family. He loved to tell stories, such as his adventures as a teenager and the cars he drove. Ben loved to laugh, be the center of attention, and chat up anyone willing to talk.

He loved the outdoors, hunting with his sons, traveling south during winter months, buying and selling boats and cars and all sorts of other motorized equipment, going out to eat, watching the Hallmark Channel, whistling no tune in particular–especially when he was doing a project, and lending a hand to anyone in need in any way they needed it.

Ben is survived by his wife and light of his life, Linda Aldrich Twitchell; son, Ben Twitchell IV and his wife Laura of Bar Harbor, son, Scott Twichell and his wife Heidi of Benton, daughter, Tiffany Twitchell and her husband David of Kennebunk; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; aunt, Fern Twitchell of Naples; brother, Terry Twitchell of Oxford and sisters Carol Williams and April L’Heureux of Norway. He also leaves behind many loving family members, including siblings-in-law and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff, nurses, and doctors at the Alfond Center for Cancer Care in Augusta for supporting Ben during his cancer journey with such warmth and compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Winslow Congregational Church on Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

Ben’s motto was

“Do a Good Turn Daily,” and therefore, in lieu of flowers the family requests that you give a hand to someone in need.

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