OAKFIELD, Maine — It was a bittersweet ceremony for two people whose fate is still haunting those in the tight-knit community of Oakfield.
On Saturday, the first “Mike and Heidi” Memorial Ride/Walk was held in memory of a slain couple, Mike Kitchen, 51, and Heidi Pratt, 49. The couple was killed in their home Sept. 23, 2013, before it was set ablaze. Thirty-two-year-old Matthew Davis of Houlton was charged with those murders.
The Memorial Ride/Walk goal was to raise $5,000, but that amount was surpassed. The event brought in $6,244, which added to memorial funds in Kitchen and Pratt’s names and will keep the Memorial Fund viable for several years.
Proceeds from this event will go into the “Mike and Heidi Memorial Fund,” administered by the Merrill Millstream Park Committee and enabling events at the park for area children.
Ken Bustard, one of the event organizers, said one example was that the funds raised would help pay for goodie bags during the annual “Christmas in The Park” event. That event typically draws nearly 100 children to the park.
In its early planning stages, Pratt’s sister, Brenda Hersey, waited in anticipation for the celebration.
“I was hoping so much that it would be a day for everyone to come together, reminisce, laugh, cry and most importantly, to continue on the path of healing,” she said.
But, Saturday came and Pratt discovered she was unsettled about the whole event.
“That morning I was surprised that I was a little nervous,” she explained. “What if no one came? What if it rained? What if we do not have enough food? Thankfully, I was wrong on all accounts.”
People did come, as 254 registered for the event.
“With the many walk-ins, who came just to socialize or taste the chicken, the count was closer to 300,” said Bustard. “Approximately 80 motorcycles filled the parking lot.”
Walkers hiked the two miles to the couple’s house lot to plant bulbs in a memorial garden that will bring forth color in the spring after the bleakness of winter, just as those who loved Mike and Heidi have shown courage and resilience through the shadows of heartache.
The wind blew its chilly breath, but hugs, kind words and the thoughts of two smiles that left their imprints on the community imparted warmth.
“I laughed … a lot … I cried … a lot … but most of all, I felt grateful and thankful,” said Hersey. “I’m so glad and proud that I live in the community that I do. It is truly the best place to live. This small town always amazes me. It is such a compassionate and giving community.
“So many people work hard for what they have, and most of them do not have a lot, but they are always ready to lend a hand when a neighbor needs one,” she added.
The Mike and Heidi Memorial Ride/Walk was no exception. Hersey said she was “humbled by the turnout of people,” some who had traveled a distance to be there, as well as the generosity of businesses, individuals, families for their donations and the volunteers, who gave of their time to make the event possible.
“What crossed my mind the most often during the day was how happy Heidi would be to know that what she spent so much time doing was coming back from others in her memory,” said Hersey. “Now, I am looking forward to spring and to all those beautiful flowers that were planted.”
The first bulbs were planted in the raised beds by Heidi’s uncles Bob Pratt of Oakfield and Jimmy Pratt of Sherman, along with her aunt Tessie Barrett of Oakfield.
“The bulb planting was orchestrated to actively engage all community members in the event,” Bustard explained. “The flowers coming up this spring will represent new life and will remove the dismal appearance of what was once the location of a home filled with love and laughter by two loving people.”
After the walkers left Millstream Park, the motorcyclists branched into two separate routes that were special to the couple. The ones that went by the couple’s residence paid homage with a wave or smile.
Bikers came from throughout Maine, from Pine State Motorcycle Club, United Vets, Combat Vets, Christian Crusaders, Patriot Guard, Widows Sons, Lady Riders, Tribunal and the Aroostook Chapter Harley Owners Group of Maine.
“The larger group of about 70 bikes took Route 2 to Houlton, going past Kitchen’s Garage where Mike worked with his dad for 25-plus years, through Linneus and back through Oakfield, going past Mike and Heidi’s house lot,” explained Bustard. “The second group of about 10 bikes went up Route 212, and took Route 11 to Patten, going past “The Hangar,” which was a favorite stop for Mike and Heidi when riding. They then went back through Island Falls and Oakfield, riding past Mike and Heidi’s house lot, as well. Two rides were planned in order to allow those not as comfortable in a larger group to be able to participate in the smaller one. Also, it allowed the Memorial Ride to include two of Mike and Heidi’s regular riding destinations.”
At Merrill Millstream Park, a letter was read from Pratt’s son, Paul, who could not attend Saturday’s memorial. He was participating in the Jimmy Fund Walk in Boston on Sunday, Sept. 21, which he did with his mother in 2011.
Katahdin Forest Products donated a cedar bench for the Millstream Park in memory of Kitchen and Pratt. The bench was unveiled by Hersey and Jerri Crandall. The bench will be where Santa will be this year when he greets the children to hear their lists of toys for under the Christmas tree.
Also during the opening ceremony, each of the fire departments — Oakfield, Stacyville, Island Falls, Sherman and Houlton — were recognized for their efforts during the blazes at Katahdin Forest Products and at Kitchen and Pratt’s home with commemorative plaques.
Following the opening dedications, the focus was on maintaining an upbeat, fun atmosphere, said Bustard.
Raffles were held almost continuously, with Bustard moderating and turning the traditional raffle drawings into an impromptu game of “Let’s Make A Deal.”
What made the event go off seamlessly was the host of volunteers.
“Sally Lewin faithfully kept the coffee pot full, which proved to be the favorite spot for chilled bikers arriving throughout the morning,” said Bustard. “Volunteers on ‘Team Keith’ assisted Keith Hersey expertly cooking approximately 500 pieces of chicken, while ‘Team Shannon’ (aka Shannon Lloyd) sold promoted raffle ticket sales through the morning. ‘Team Pearl’ (aka Pearl Bustard) manned the registration tables, efficiently getting each participant signed in and on their way. The various fire departments and numerous local volunteers manned coordinated traffic issues. The Houlton Ambulance was also on sight in case of an emergency.”
This day, without doubt, was a day of healing.
“The weekend was a success by all standards,” Bustard added. “The entire day was filled with nothing but positive comments, high octane enthusiasm and a blanket of genuine camaraderie and friendship.”
