SEARSPORT — Morris “Stanley” Wood, 100, of Searsport, passed away on February 19, 2024 at the Sussman House in Rockport. He decided to write his own obituary saving loved ones the task. 

My name is M. Stanley Wood and I died of old age at 100. I decided to write my own obituary to reduce the pressure created at such times. The family typically has a work session, and thinking deadline have a resulting snapshot in cradle to grave format, or they create one last stanza about someone’s life that is so glowing one would think the deceased had been the living embodiment of a deity, neither of which I wish. Either of these would be written under the pressure of time.   

I could picture a bunch of my friends sitting around reading a glowing report of me, which we all know would be filled with fish tales, half-thoughts, impossible scenarios, and may be an exaggeration or two. Obituaries should stick to the truth with a trifle of flowery stuff considering the occasion.   

Born on August 28, 1923, I am the son of Maurice and Caroline (Sheldon) Wood and was brought up on a dairy farm in Belfast during the 1930’s depression, attending a one-room school and graduating from Crosby High School in Belfast. 

During WWII, I enlisted in the U.S. Army serving aboard a rescue salvage vessel, LT-464. We were a contingent of 61 vessels known as “Miki Tugs, I, ultimately being billed as the last of the 1200 known crew members.  Closing the book on this is not the most enviable accomplishment. 

After the war, I met and married my lovely wife, Dorothy Bowen, living in Belfast, Swanville and Searsport. “Dot” has been an indispensable part of my life, working as a team whenever necessary. Anything as positive in this writing can be a co-result of Dot’s diligence.  Dot has an admirable life history in health care related fields including nursing, hospice, dentistry, and later, volunteering.  All while she was busy with projects of her own. 

Survivors include my wife, Dorothy; nieces, Marjorie Cormier and husband, Victor of Chesterville, Maureen Brown and husband, Mel, of Vassalboro, Mary Labbe of Peaks Island, Janice Sherburn of Florida, Jeanne Searls of Florida, and nephew, Alfred Wood and wife, Dianne of Peaks Island.   

My life was not perfect as I encountered some bumps in the road. I think that would eradicate most of my fashion disasters and hair missteps from the 1980’s. But mostly, I enjoyed life. Some parts of it were more difficult than others, but I learned something from every bad situation, and I couldn’t do any more than that. 

Besides there are some benefits to living to be “old”, for example. You get to see what’s known as “The Golden Years”, I am no longer afraid of serial killers, telemarketers, or the IRS. I don’t have to worry about wrinkles or the ozone layer and/or hide from the news during the political election season. 

Some folks told me that writing my own obituary was morbid, but I think it has been inspirational because I get a chance to say thank you to all the people who helped me along the way. Those who loved, me, assisted me, cared for me, laughed with me and taught me things so that I could have a wonderful, happy life. I was blessed beyond measure by knowing all of you. That is what made my life worthwhile. 

If you think of me, and would like to do something in honor of my memory, do this: 

Volunteer at a school, church or library. 

Write a letter to someone and tell them how they have had a positive effect on your life. 

If you smoke, quit. 

It you drink and drive, stop. 

Avoid the phone while driving and take a child out for ice cream and talk to them about their hopes and dreams. 

Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it. 

Stop at all lemonade stands run by children and brag about their product. 

Make someone smile today if it is in your power to do so. 

May God be at your side providing you wisdom for the rest of your life. 

An hour of visitation will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m, at the Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.

Spring burial will be in the Morrill Village Cemetery. 

Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.