Richard Warren Quaintance

Rick was born to John and Elsie in Bridgeport, Connecticut with his early years spent living in Fairfield, Connecticut. The family eventually moved to Alna, Maine to be nearer to his grandmother and other relatives.

Rick graduated from Wiscasset High School, class of 1981. He briefly attended Bangor Community College and later the University of Maine at Orono, ultimately earning a degree in Architectural Arts from University of Maine Augusta, achieving entry into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in the process.

During his life, Rick worked in the construction field, for a local architectural firm, and at several film processing locations in Lewiston-Auburn (photography being a long-time hobby). He was a camera and audio operator, as well as production assistant and grip, for Maine Public Television, regularly working on shows such as MaineWatch, Capitol Connection, and the Great TV Auction. Later, Rick was employed for many years on the visuals team at LL Bean, where he worked up until his passing.

Rick was passionate about the outdoors and was a registered Maine Guide. A mentor once explained that, in appreciation of the knowledge he was receiving, it would become Rick’s responsibility to pass on what he had learned to others – something Rick did with enthusiasm. Rick loved getting people outdoors and would often put together paddling outings on some local body of salt or freshwater – Winslow Park, Range or Runaround, Nezinscot or Sheepscot. No gear? Never been in a boat or on a paddleboard before? No worries. He’d gather the equipment and pass on his expertise. When the water froze, it was time to get people on a rope with a helmet, crampons, and ice axes. Many weekends were spent giving people a taste of ice climbing, or hiking. Rick was a fantastic spark, supporting, encouraging, and cheering people on to push themselves to their personal best. He had a competitive side as well, running distances from 5k to marathon, teaming up for adventure races, and paddling in canoe races. He won or placed in his division several times at Kenduskeag and Run of the Royal.

After getting his motorcycle license in 2013, Rick put thousands of miles on his motorcycle riding the back and gravel roads of northern New England, Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and Labrador alongside his wife and his friends.

Rick was a gardener, a home chef (we’ll miss his spicy 15 Bean - aka Swollen Colon - Stew), and many, many other things, of which this barely – if even – scratches the surface.

Rick was a wonderful listener and sounding board. His laughter and easy smile will be deeply and forever missed by his wife and so very many good friends.

Rick is predeceased by his parents John and Elsie Quaintance, stepfather Paul Simpson, and several half-siblings.

He is survived by his wife Sarah Quaintance.

A celebration of life will be held in the fall.

In lieu of flowers, consider planting some. Participate in a clean-up (Rick’s truck always had gloves and garbage bags ready to pick up trash around launch sites). Or donate time or money to a charity/non-profit. Some suggestions would be American Cancer Society, Maine Cancer Foundation, the Red Cross, Maine State Parks, Androscoggin Land Trust, Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, MITA, NFCT, or a local animal shelter…. And then, go outside.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home | 217 Turner Street Auburn, ME 04210 | (207) 783-8545