Ernest L. Sevey Obituary (1930 - 2016)

RIPLEY- Ernest Leon Sevey, 86, died peacefully, after a period of declining health, on May 12, 2016, at Bedside Manor Alzheimer's Care Facility in Oakland. Ernest was born January 23, 1930, in Ripley, the oldest son of Albert Leon and Adelma (Laughton) Sevey. Ernest enjoyed his early years on the family farm in Ripley with his parents, and brothers, Richard and Howard. He graduated from Dexter High School, class of 1947 and married J. Rebecca McKusick on June 2, 1950. Ernest worked for a time on the family farm, and then became town manager of Brownville, and later Farmington. In 1966 he purchased Howard P. Fairfield Snowplows in Skowhegan, working long hours until his retirement in 1984, when he sold the business to his son, Howard. In retirement Ernest and Beck returned to his beloved Ripley. There next to their home on Ripley Pond, Ernest built a hydroelectric generating system to provide his own electricity, groomed trails for the Ripley Trail Riders, gardened, and mowed acres of lawn. Ernest enjoyed snowmobiling, cheering on his Yankees, traveling with his wife, Beck, and spending time at their camp, "Cool Breeze" in Rockwood. They passed that love of Moosehead Lake on to their children and grandchildren. Ernest was a proud Mason and a past member of the Skowhegan Lions Club. In addition to his parents, Ernest was predeceased by his wife, Rebecca, in 2007. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Snow and her husband, Jeffrey of Beaver Cove; his son, Howard Sevey and his wife, Susan of Rockwood; five grandchildren, Jim Snow and his wife, Janice, Mike Snow and his wife, Nicole, Jessica (Sevey) McKneally and her husband, Chris, Erin Sevey, and Nicole Sevey; one great grandchild, Kay Snow; step grandchildren, Eric Bickford, Jasmine Witkowski and her husband, James, and their sons, Jackson and Julius; two brothers, Richard and his wife, Barbara of Lady Lake, FL, and Howard and his wife, Irene of Bangor; several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to give a special thanks to a loyal friend and loving caregiver, Ruth Norsworthy, and to the entire staff of Bedside Manor for their dedicated care over the last several months. Relatives and friends are welcome to call Thursday, May 19, 2016, from 1 to 2 PM, at Crosby & Neal, 61 Main Street in Dexter, where a funeral service will be held at 2 PM, with Pastor Ray Beless officiating. Interment to follow at Ferndale Cemetery in Ripley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ripley Trail Riders, 31 Ellms Road, Ripley, ME 04930, or to the Ripley United Methodist Church, c/o David Mosley, 35 Pine Street, Dexter, ME 04930.