Arthur W. Ridlon

Of Tequesta, Florida

This Mighty Warrior fought a long, courageous battle against cancer with dignity and grace. On November 27, 2010, he found victory in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We celebrate his new life while grieving our loss.

Born February 17, 1940 at home in Parsonsfield, Maine. Arthur graduated from Porter High School in Kezar Falls, Maine, Class of 1958. Playing basketball for Porter, he received the Foul Shooting Championship Award. He attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine graduating in 1962 majoring in History. His career was in Commercial Insurance. He had a CIC Designation. Starting his career with Travelers Insurance, he decided to become an independent agent. He was a partner with John Chapman of Chapman & Drake Insurance in Bath, Maine. He served as President of the Bath YMCA, renewing the Y's commitment to serving the community. Taking up tennis, Arthur won the City of Bath Tennis Championships in 1980.

After moving to North Palm Beach, FL, he tutored son, Sam in the art of tennis. Relocating to Lakeland, FL he founded RLI Insurance Services in Polk County, a Travelers agent specializing in retirement communities. He was a member of the Lakeland Rotary Club. Watching the movie Gettysburg inspired him to research the history of the Civil War; specifically the personalities of the leaders of both North and South. Speaking to several community service groups, he educated and delighted his audience with his knowledge and story telling talents. He was the first Yankee to be invited to speak at the Daughters of the Confederacy in Dayton, Virginia receiving a standing ovation.

Arthur and Ann moved to Boothbay Harbor, Maine in January of 1996, returning to his home state. This allowed them precious memories with his parents at the end of their lives. In 1997 he joined J. Edward Knight Insurance and partnered with Roy Lewis for 9 years. Arthur often spoke of the great advantage of ending his career with such an honorable man. In 2001 he won two gold medals in tennis, for singles and doubles, at the Senior Olympic Games in Portland, ME. In 2003 he was invited to compete at the 2003 National Senior Olympic Games in Newport News, Virginia; winning his first match but lost his second. Besides competing in the Senior games, Ridlon competed locally in Maine and taught tennis at the Boothbay Harbor YMCA. He volunteered his time to instruct and inspire high school players in the art of tennis and overall sportsmanship.

In 2005 Arthur and Ann retired to Tequesta, Florida. He continued his love of tennis as a member of Jupiter Bay Tennis Club, while developing strong bonds of friendship. His greatest joy was spending time with his 5 precious grandchildren: Hannah Butler, age 12; Micah Butler, age 9; Clara Butler, age 7; Jake Ridlon, age 5 and Behr Ridlon, age 3. Sharing his wisdom, playing with and singing silly songs, he was a favorite of all children. Art and Ann enjoyed traveling the US and Canada, returning often to Prince Edward Island in the Atlantic Provinces. They especially enjoyed finding out of the way places to explore on their trips to visit family and friends. A faithful alumnae, they frequently visited the Bates campus and made fondest memories at the Bates reunions. Arthur was co-president, with Alfonse Squitieri, of the Bates Alumnae Class of 1962; looking forward to planning the big 50th in 2012. He will be sorely missed; but his spirit will be present!

Among Arthur's proudest moments was being at son, Sam's graduation at Rollins College in Orlando, FL, receiving his MBA in Business Administration; and son, Joe, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Valley Forge Christian College; culminating in his Ordination in the Assemblies of God church.

Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Harriett Ridlon; son Marshall Ridlon. Survived by his wife Ann; sons Sam Ridlon and his wife Darla, Joe Butler and his wife Jen; 5 grandchildren; a brother Walter Ridlon and a sister Martha Nichols; also survived by his best friend Peter Green.

A Celebration of Arthur’s Life will be held on Saturday, December 4th, at 11am, Aycock Funeral Home, Jupiter. Online condolences may be made at www.aycockfuneralhomejupiter.com.

In lieu of flowers, Arthur requested that donations be made in his memory to Ability Tree, Inc. A non-profit organization supporting families with disabilities. The first Ability Center gymnasium in northwest Arkansas will be named in his honor. Donations can be sent to Ability Tree Inc., PO Box 6929, Siloam Springs, AR 72761. For more information go to www.abilitytree.org.