OWLS HEAD — Herbert L. Maker, aka Richard “Richie” Abshire, 66, of Owls Head, passed away Sept. 7, 2013, after a long battle with illness. Born Feb. 1, 1947, he was a Clark Island native and while he enjoyed travel he always called Knox County home.

Richie had a strong connection and sense of responsibility to family. He would play on the floor with his grandchildren, sipping tea with Barbie, as well as spending enjoyable hours swapping family lore and local history with his aunts and cousins. He had a sweet tooth and Mary indulged him with her baking, but Richie found as much pleasure in giving the treats away so he could share his pride in what a good cook his wife was. He

had a career in law enforcement, serving as a prison guard, Rockland beat cop and Knox County Sheriff’s deputy. While he was proud to use his skills to bring order and try to help people, Richie always had a thirst for spiritual knowledge. Eventually, this led him to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses, in which he found strength and comfort in his faith of the resurrection and God's Kingdom. He was also encouraged by the frequent visits of the local congregation, who offered their support as well as practical help.

It would be impossible to list all the kind and loving friends who helped Richie and Mary during the years of his illness. These friends willingly and cheerfully, time and again, mowed the lawn, offered rides, moved furniture and always had a listening ear. Quite often the converstation would turn to dogs or cars. Or motorcycles. Or anything with an engine. Richie loved his pets and his vehicles, and had extensive knowledge of them, and to his last day was the businessman ready to make a deal.

This loving, intelligent, wheeler dealer, abd sometimes infuriating, devoted family man is mourned and remembered by his wife Mary, who took such good care of him; his children, Sarah Baker, Samara Adams, Gary and Francesca Guiou, Melanie Scott, Melissa and Jessica McMaster, Joel, and Michael and Benjamin Gay; his grandchildren, Ileana, Annabelle, Sabrina, Sienna, Sophie, Karlie, Natalie, Makayla, Cory, Amber, Melissa, Michelle, Evan and Eliza; also his great-grandchildren, Kobi, Ella, Cabrynna, Reece and Riley; his siblings, Bruce "Dusty" Abshire and his wife, Jayne, Karen Donnell and Brian Abshire and his wife, Elaine, and Gary Boe; his nephews and niece, Gabriel, Heidi, Joseph, Marty and Kelly, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Matthew, Benjamin, Victoria and Benjamin; and his close cousins, Dolly and Lawrence Oakes. He is also survived by his stepfather, Jack Abshire. There are many other close relatives and friends, too numerous to mention, who made Richie's life full.

Richie was predeceased by his parents, Marjorie Y. Abshire and Herbert L. Maker Sr.; and a brother, Joseph Theriault.

A memorial talk will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on the corner of Route 17 and Rockville Street in Rockport. All are welcome.