The obituary was written by Rick himself......
It is time to close the cover to the book that is Rick (Bumpa) Urban.
It is an old book, 67 years in the making, bound in Leatherneck khaki and Nomex Yellow. The pages are heavily worn and dogeared as any well-loved book is and contains a wonderful anthology of stories, With contributions from beloved family and friends, all of whom added richness and color to Rick’s life story.
Depending on whom you talk with, Rick was either born, hatched, adopted or left on the doorstep by bunnies. Just one look at a picture of the Urban clan and the answer is pretty obvious. It has been said that the Urban family tree is more trunk than branches, but enough about Urban Genealogy.
As with any book, the author might have a favorite chapter or character and Rick is no different. Since I am writing myself in as the main (Maine) character and narrator, you can take everything here as the truth as I see it.
Let’s start with my stunning handsomeness and humble demeanor (lol!). My childhood was unremarkable by today’s standard or norm. Despite raising four boys, me and my three brothers, Mark, Dennis, and Tom, my parents stayed married and together for over 45 years until their deaths, living in the same small town with no traffic lights or other fancy city living amenities. You can imagine my surprise and the severity of my learning curve when I entered the Marine Corps right out of high school in 1976 and served until 1980. During that time, I learned many things, not the least of which were honor, courage, and commitment, the core values of the Marine Corps. Though I did my four years and moved on, those core values stayed with me and served me well in my twenty six year career with the Fire Service as a member of the South Portland Fire Department.
I thank the Marine Corps, IAFF Local 1476, and of course my family, Nola, Megan, and Becca for the many blessings I have enjoyed in my life! Semper Fi to all who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States along with all public employees who serve communities and states, along with their families.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com
- Celebrating the Lives of Veterans -