Russell E. Dyer (“Skip”)

Bowdoinham-Born in Portland on May 7, 1937 to Russell Ulmer and Tressa York Dyer, passed away peacefully after a long illness with his loving wife, Carole, by his side on November 1, 2014.

Russ grew up on the waters of Casco Bay where he earned his nickname, “Skipper”.

He graduated from Freeport High School, class of 1956. He married Carole Abbott on July 26, 1958.

During and after high school he worked at L.L.Bean as a sales clerk until he joined the Maine Warden Service in June of 1961. During his time as a warden he received the Shikar Safari International award for Wildlife Officer of the Year and was named Legendary Game Warden of the Year. He worked his way up through the ranks and retired as Colonel in 1981.   Following his retirement from the Warden Service, he went back to work for L.L.Bean where he served as Director of Corporate Security until his retirement in 1994. He served as chapter chairman of the Maine Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security between 1984 and 1986.

After retirement, he and Carole moved to Bowdoinham. He and Carole were lifetime members of the Durham Rod and Gun Club, the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, the Ruffed Grouse Society, Pine Tree Boating Club, Maine Traditional Archers. He was a member of the Cumberland Masonic Lodge #12. He served on the IF&W Advisory Council, the board of Operation Game Thief and was a board member of SAM.

Russ was an avid outdoorsman and had many hobbies, including building boats, and restoring antique boats and outboard motors. He and Carole enjoyed many hours sailing on Merrymeeting Bay in the 20 foot cat boat, “Carrus”, which he built. He restored many antique Indian motorcycles, some of which are on display in museums.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carole, 3 sons, Daniel and his wife Jacklyn of Steep Falls, Randall and his wife Rebecca of Orr’s Island, and Dennis and his wife Ramona of Pownal, grandchildren Dale, Rebecca, Mark, Rachel, Nathan, Amanda; step grandsons Zachary and Brandon; great grandchildren, Olivia, Will, Caleb, Colby, Jasmine, Madelyn, Zaylen; a sister Emma Baker of Bonifay, FL, a sister Eileen Lowell and her husband, John, of Bowdoinham, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and grandson William Russell Dyer.

Visiting hours will be Friday, November 7, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 at Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, Maine. There will be a memorial gathering in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ruffed Grouse Society George V. Soule Scholarship Fund, c/o Paul Brook, Treasurer, 427 Main St., Norway, ME, 04268