Richard Charles Keene

TURNER-Richard Charles Keene “Dick”, 86, passed away at his home in Turner on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born at his family home in West Turner on December 28th, 1939, to the late Clarence E. and Nellie (Tupai) Keene. Dick grew up on his family farm before moving to Auburn where he raised his family and remained until 2004 before moving back to Turner on family land.

Dick attended a one room schoolhouse in West Turner and then in West Auburn after moving there in 1945. He graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1958. Dick remained friends with several classmates including his lifelong best friend, Andy. Following high school, Dick attended Babson College for command training and traffic schools before beginning his career with the Auburn Police Department.

Dick married Pauline Y. Cote on October 23rd, 1965, in Lewiston. They had one son and three daughters together and shared 30 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in 1995. Dick married Rita J. Collette on December 17th, 2004, in Turner. They brought their two families together and shared over 21 years of happiness.

He began his career with the Auburn Police Department in 1964 and happily retired with the rank of Lieutenant in 1996. Dick was nicknamed, “Lieutenant Softy,” for his kind, compassionate nature, and love for food. Following retirement, he worked for Auburn Public Works as a traffic division supervisor from 1996-2006, which amounted to 42 years of dedicated and selfless service to the City of Auburn.

As a child, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his father, brother, and friends. After high school, he played baseball and was on a bowling team. While raising his family, he enjoyed trapshooting at the Androscoggin County Fish and Game Association (ACFGA), golfing, hunting, and fishing with close friends and family. He was very proud of the hunting shed he built in 2001 on his land in Turner that he named Dick's Lodge. He would frequently wear and give away Dick's Lodge attire and memorabilia. He enjoyed the outdoors and working on the land including gardening, mowing the lawn, and haying the fields.

Dick served as treasurer at the ACFGA. He was one of the founders of the West Auburn School Historical Society (the one room schoolhouse he attended as a child) where he served as treasurer and later President. He also served as a selectman for the town of Turner for several years. He always found ways to contribute to his community including being Santa's helper elf in Turner during his later years.

He enjoyed collecting milk bottles from local dairy farms, had a collection of thousands of hats, and was known for his many lawn ornaments. He deeply enjoyed spending time with his family, animals, and close friends. Over the last several years, he spent countless hours teaching and playing his childhood board game of Carrom. He was and always will be THE champion!

Dick is survived by his wife, Rita J Keene of Turner. His children, James Keene of Lewiston, Tina McCormick and husband Terrence of Turner, Cindy Roy and husband Jeffrey of Turner, Kendra Bailey and husband Christopher of Brunswick. His stepchildren, Barbara Bragdon and husband Tag of Leeds, Joan Mitchell and husband Richard of Leeds. Grandchildren, Lauren and Evan Roy, Brogan and Hayley McCormick. Step grandchildren, Dana Mitchell and wife Nikki, Richie Mitchell, Tiffany Mathon and husband Raymond. 7 Step Great-grandchildren, Gabe, Avery, Lily, Jonah, Addy, Aria, and Anna. As well as his sister-in-law, Linda Keene and niece, Sheryl Robertson.

Dick is predeceased by his first spouse, Pauline Y. Keene (August 9th, 1995) and his siblings, Ernest V. Keene (July 29th, 2007) and Arline K. Hoar (January 7th, 2008).

To honor Dick’s life and time given to his community, visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10th from 2-4PM at The Fortin & Pinette Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner Street in Auburn, with a service to immediately follow, beginning at 4PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Interment will take place at Gracelawn Memorial Park and will remain private to family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Turner Rescue, 19 General Turner Hill Road Turner, Maine 04282.

Dick’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all his amazing caregivers for their exceptional care, kindness, and support. You made it possible to honor their dad’s wishes to stay at home. A very special thank you as well to his hospice nurse Julie from Andwell for making his final days the most comfortable.

Arrangements are in the care and guidance of The Fortin & Pinette Group, Auburn. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website.