Searles, Albert S., 67, October 8, 2014. Interment to be held in the Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou, at a later date. Arrangements by Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, Fort Fairfield.
CARIBOU – Albert S. “Honky Tonk” Searles, 67, husband of Martina (McQuade) Searles, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, October 8, 2014, at his Caribou home with his wife by his side. He was born March 9, 1947, in Caribou, the son of Stillman A. and Kathleen M. (Michaud) Searles.
A lifelong resident of Caribou, Al attended local schools and had been a well known trucker with the handle “Honky Tonk” for close to 50 years. His legendary music accomplishments spanned close to six decades, starting at the age of 12 when his mother would take him to play guitar and sing at local venues. He started singing and playing guitar with the group the “Stardusters” as an early teen and then became a member of the musical group the “Buckineers”, playing many area appearances in the 1960’s and 70’s. He later performed in the “Honky Tonks”, once again entertaining the folks of Aroostook County. His last performance was at the 2014 Fort Fairfield Potato Blossom Festival. In addition to his wonderful singing voice and guitar playing, Al was also proficient in playing the drums and organ, always by ear. Mr. Searles was truly a trucking and music legend both far and wide. He knew everyone, and everyone he met instantly became a friend. He will be missed by everyone in the area music community and trucking industry as well.
Al was predeceased by his father, Stillman A. Searles; one brother, Elwood Searles; one son, Michael Hammond; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Jean McQuade; and sister-in-law, Velma Gregory. He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Martina of Caribou; his mother, Kathleen M. Searles of Caribou; five sons, Rick Searles and his wife, Lynn, of Sanbornville, NH, Terry Searles of Rockledge, FL, Larry Joe Searles and his wife, Julie, of Green Castle, PA, Troy Hammond and his companion, Renée, of Panama City, FL, Ricky Hammond and his companion, Sarah, of Presque Isle; four daughters, Debbie Gerard and her companion, Ken Eaton, of Stonington, Pamela Searles and Patty Searles, both of Caribou, and Kelley Bouchard and her husband, Dwayne, of Perham; one brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Rose Marie Searles of Van Buren. He also leaves behind brothers-in-law, Joe Gregory of Goshen, IN, John McQuade and his wife, Gloria, of Medford, NB, Steve McQuade of Burks Falls, Ont., Jerry McQuade and his wife, Anne, of Medford, NB, Roger McQuade and his wife, Nina, of San Lorenzo, CA; sisters-in-law, Annie Scott and her husband, Lon, of Middletown, CT, Charlene Bourgeois of Medford, NB; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He will also be dearly missed by his special companion “Buddy” and many friends too numerous to list.
Friends called Sunday October 12, 2014, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield, where a funeral service to celebrate Al’s life was conducted at 3 p.m. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou at a later date. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Al to the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association, Founder Affiliate, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. Online condolences may be expressed at www.giberson dorseyfuneralhome.com.
