Obituary

Clifford Tibbetts, obituary

Tue, 07/15/2014 - 1:00pm

WALDOBORO – Clifford A. Tibbetts, 77, died peacefully July 13, 2014, with his wife at his side, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born Jan. 26, 1937, in Rochester, N.H., he was the son of Maynard and Marguerite Boisvert Tibbetts.

Educated in New Hampshire, he was a 1955 graduate of Spaulding High School in Rochester. Following high school, Mr. Tibbetts entered the U.S. Air Force, where he spent four years as an air traffic controller.

On Aug. 30, 1958, Clifford married Roberta Swett in South Hope. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1959, the couple settled in Waldoboro, where he entered the apprenticeship program at Bath Iron Works. Finishing that program, he earned certification as an electronics technician and remained employed there for three more years. Mr. Tibbetts moved on to work for the U.S. Government as a civilian employee. He worked his way up to business review officer for the supervisor of ship building.

Mr. Tibbetts was described by his family as a “quiet man who lead a quiet life.” They said he loved to travel with is wife to places like Hawaii, Atlantic City, Florida, Branson, Mo., and Virginia. He also enjoyed time at home, using his computer and making spreadsheets. Watching sports on the television, especially the Red Sox, was another favorite pastime. He took great pride in the home he built with his own hands.

Spending time with his family was most important to him. He loved being with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was said that he never missed a trip to the beach with his daughter and his great-grandchildren.

He will be missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by a brother, Forrest “Buster” Tibbetts; and a sister, Jackie Woodward. Mr. Tibbetts is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Roberta Tibbetts; his son, Rick Tibbetts; his daughter, Debbie Merrifield and her husband, Fred, all of Waldoboro; his brother, David Tibbetts and his wife, Bea, of Sanbornville, N.H.; his sister, Shirley Seekins of Winterport; his brother-in-law, Freeman Woodward of New Hampshire; his sister-in-law, Janet Tibbetts of Massachusetts; five grandchildren, Amanda Tibbetts, Brandon Tibbetts and his fiancé, Jessica, Christina Bendtson and her husband, Eric, Elizabeth Grierson and her husband, Ian, James Merrifield and his fiancé, Audrey; four great-grandchildren, Noah Bendtson, Asa Bendtson, Olivia Grierson and Anya Grierson; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside celebration of his life will be held Monday, July 21 at 1 p.m. at Shuman Cemetery on Route 220 in Waldoboro. The Rev. David English will officiate.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074 or the American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.