BUXTON – Richard “Rick” Stephen Philpot, age 61, passed away at his home surrounded by family on June 29, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Saco, Maine on October 30, 1957, son of the late Richard A. Philpot and Gertrude (Clough) Oliver.
As a child Rick enjoyed spending time at the Philpot farm in Limerick. He often shared stories of working with his grandfather picking apples, milking cows, and sneaking hard cider from the cellar. Later, growing up in Portland, he enjoyed playing baseball in the Grants Department Store parking lot and Payson Park. Also, as a teenager he loved going to the Chandlers camp and cruising the streets with his friends in his father’s red truck.
In 1980 he started dating Ann Rutter and they were married in 1982. He spent the next 37 years enjoying time with Ann, their 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and multiple pets.
He began his working years in construction setting poles with his father, and then moved into foundation work with Nelson Foundation. Eventually he obtained his CDL B license and worked as a driver for Fox Lumber, Cumberland and York Distributors, and then as a CDL Driver/Laborer for Lucas Tree. In the last 10 years he worked at Benchmark Cleaning as a Custodial Supervisor at Falmouth High School and later as a Custodian at Scarborough High School.
Rick enjoyed fishing, watching baseball/softball, gardening, going to the Potter camp in Solon, and spending time with family and friends. He loved watching the weather and sports, and he followed all of the New England sports teams. He was a diehard Boston Red Sox fan and loved following them from the beginning of spring training to the end of the season. He enjoyed planting vegetables and took pride in his amazing harvest. He loved to set off fireworks and enjoyed the loud colorful splendor of the ignitions. At the same time, he loved to fish and enjoyed the serenity of quietly sitting by a brook and waiting for a bite. His family often referred to him as a cellar dwelling, tree dragging, ambulance chasing, weather man.
He loved listening to music, especially the Eagles, Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Simon and Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, and the Grateful Dead. Some of his favorite shows/movies were The Great Outdoors, Son-In-Law, Grumpy Old Men, The Sandlot, Carol Burnett, The Three Stooges, Andy Griffith, and That 70’s Show.
Rick was predeceased by his father and stepmother - Richard and Maryann Philpot; stepparents - Thom and Angela Wilson; stepsister - Vicky Abbley; stepbrother - David Oliver; father-in-law - Lawrence Rutter; brother-in-law - Lawrence Rutter Jr; and more recently his grandson - Liam Potter.
Rick is survived by his beloved wife - Ann (Rutter) Philpot; his children - Brandy Hevey and her husband Kevin of Buxton and Jenna Philpot and fiancé Scott Potter of Standish; mother and stepfather - Gertrude and Russell Oliver of St George, Utah; sisters - Bonnie Hardwick of California, Cindy Collins and husband Marty of Henderson, NV, Laurie Philpot and partner Jay Bush of Steep Falls, Pam Mowatt and husband Kevin of Portland, Barbara Rico and partner Craig Murdock of Scarborough; stepsisters - Kari Silloway of Germany and Cindy Oliver of California; stepbrother - Ricky Oliver of California; mother-in-law - Margaret Rutter of Portland; brothers-in-law - Thom Rutter and wife Maria of Cooleemee, NC, Mark Rutter of South Paris, John Rutter and wife Denise of Greene, James Rutter and wife Debbie of Portland; sisters-in-law - Ellen Rust and husband Richard of Portland, Mary Williams and husband Dwayne of Buxton, Nancy Lyons and husband Stephen of Cape Elizabeth, and Jenny Dalbec and husband John of Sabattus; six grandchildren - Mackenzie, Tyler, Madison, Alissah, Noah and Elden, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and cherished friends.
Per Ricks wishes there will be an informal celebration of life gathering on July 14th from 1:00-4:00 to commemorate and reminisce. This will be held at his home at 75 Green Ridge Drive, Buxton Maine
We would like to give special thanks to Priscilla Wentworth, Dale Deering, Sonya Wieburg, Liz Patterson and Hope Chrupcala for their amazing support and comfort in Rick’s final weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, 50 Foden Road, South Portland, ME 04106
Arrangements are with Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com