RICHMOND – Richard “Dick” C. Rines, a lifelong resident of Richmond, Gardiner and West Gardiner, passed away Dec. 20, 2023, at MGMC in Augusta, at the age of 81. Dick was born May 13, 1942, in Gardiner, the son of the late Clarence and Rachel (Cunningham) Rines of West Gardiner.

Dick attended and graduated from Gardiner High School, the class of 1960. Dick could always be described as energetic and a hard worker, even from a young age. Dick loved sports, cars and motorcycles. Dick had one of Maine’s first Avanti Sports Cars and owned many motorcycles starting with his Indian Motorcycle. Dicks work ethic led him to start D & R Paving Company, he eventually changed paths adapting after a diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis and then started Rines Rubbish Removal, proudly maintained by Dick for 58 years, where he had the motto “take care of the customers, they’ll take care of you. Always be kind to everyone.” Dick was a proud member of his community and was an Exalted Ruler of the Gardiner Elks Lodge.

Dick will be remembered by family and friends as always being willing to help, his kindness and the one who never said no to a cookout or family gathering

Dick is survived by his wife of 47 years Sally Black Rines who will keep their home the spot for 4th of July cookouts; his stepson Troy Black and grandson Gradon Black who will remember him by the nickname “Grampa Trash Truck”; sister Janet Atkins and husband Ernest, sister Joan Nichols and husband Robert, and sister Theanna Bartlett and husband Daryus; nephews Richard Fortin and wife Christine, Jason Atkins and wife Amanda, Jeron Rines-Lawry, Ian Rines-Lawry and finance Chelsea, Adian Bartlett, Jamie Merrill, niece Angie Ferenc and husband Aaron and their sons Ethan and Noah; adopted sons Terry Armstrong and his son Kyle, and adopted sons Gary Hodkins, Ron Poor, and Bruce Brooks; great niece Rachel Pierce and husband Thomas and their daughter Truly; as well as special friends Mike McDonald and Ray Bronn.

Dick was predeceased by parents Clarence L. and Rachel Rines and brothers Glenwood and Milford Rines.

Richard “Dick” C. Rines requested no services and to be cremated so he can return home to his beloved home by the water.

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