Kirlin, Richard L., 77, December 22, 2012.
HOULTON – After a long illness, Richard (Dick) L. Kirlin passed away at the Houlton Regional Hospital on December 22, 2012, with his wife at his side. Dick was born in Houlton on March 28, 1935, the son of Augustine and Vivian (Collier) Kirlin.
He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 51 years, Dawn Jones Kirlin; three sisters, Noreen Kirlin, Geraldine (Charles) Scott, and Carol (Frank) Bell; several nieces and nephews; friends, Anne Stillman, Kevin Bickford, and Ryan Norton, who with their help made it possible for Dick to remain at home. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Robert Kirlin.
Dick worked for the town of Houlton as a welder and mechanic until 1982 when he was forced to retired due to his ill health. After he retired, he spent his time working around his houses, fixing up old trucks, and having coffee with the boys. Dick knew everyone and everyone knew him. He had many friends. He was a wonderful and caring husband and a very special person. He will be sadly missed.
Dick was a member of St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church in Woodstock for over 30 years. At his request, his funeral mass was held from St. Gertrude’s Church in Woodstock, N.B. on January, 30, 2013, with Father John Keoughan officiating. Friends Carol Polchies and Kathy Smith did the readings, Kathy Cox was the soloist, and his cousin, Rev. Allen Tapley, gave the eulogy. The pallbearers were William Graham, Ernest Watson, Donald Bull, and John Bull.
A reception followed the mass at St. Gertrude’s Church Hall where Scott’s Funeral Home showed a lovely video of Dick from a young man to shortly before his passing. There was no interment. Memorial donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Ark Animal Sanctuary, Houlton Humane Society, or the donor’s choice. I would like to thank Dr. Older and the nursing staff at Houlton Regional Hospital for their excellent care they gave Dick during his last days on earth. I would also like to thank them for all the support and comforting talks they gave me during this very difficult time. Their kindness will always be remembered. I would also like to thank the Houlton Ambulance Department for all their help getting Dick back and forth to the hospital over the last three years. Thanks to all of you for your kindness.
