Ralph M. Palmer Obituary (1941 - 2011)

ABBOT AND SANGERVILLE- Ralph M. Palmer, 69, died December 22, 2011 at C.A. Dean Hospital in Greenville. He was born December 27, 1941, in Dover-Foxcroft, son of Ernest and Lavance (Lord) Palmer. He attended Sangerville schools and graduated from PCHS class of 1960. Ralph, along with his family, owned and operated Palmer Lumber Company in Sangerville for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors and hunting, and was an amazing carpenter and woodworker. Ralph was an avid snowmobiler and was treasurer of the Four Winds Snowmobile Club. He also enjoyed spending time at his camp on Crow Hill in Parkman. Time and time again Ralph demonstrated uncommon courage in his many battles with cancer. He was a man who succeeded in "living" with cancer, rather than letting it steal his life or change who he was. This strength and fortitude have been an inspiration to many. It is because of these qualities and his unconditional love of family and friends that he will always be remembered. He is survived by the love of his life, Linda of Abbot; a son, Scott R. Palmer and partner, Edward Lewis of Washington, D.C.; a brother, Robert Palmer and companion Dee of Sangerville; three sisters, Mary Jane Armstrong and her husband, Wayne of Sangerville, Lavance Armstrong and her husband, David of Sangerville, and Rosalie Heath and her husband, Robert of Sherman Mills. Friends are invited to call from 12 to 1 PM, Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at the Guilford United Methodist Church, followed by funeral services at 1 PM, with Pastor Stephen Dean and Pastor Ray Beless officiating. A reception for family and friends will be held at the parish hall following the service. Burial will be in the Abbot Village Cemetery at a later date. Those who wish may make memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, to Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 391, Greenville, ME 04441. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Guilford.