David W.
Rice, 61, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 14th, surrounded
by his loving family. He fought an extraordinarily courageous battle with
esophageal cancer.
He was born
November 17th, 1957 in Norwalk, Connecticut to William J. Rice Jr.
and Maryhelen Rice. He grew up in Wilton, Connecticut and spent most of his
younger years outdoors, with his brothers. Alongside his close childhood buddies,
he built a world-class tree fort and enjoyed 3-day "picnics” with a huge
network of friends.
Dave took
great pride in being self-sufficient. His first business was a lawn care
service, which consisted of a lawn mower trailered behind his bicycle. At a
young age, he worked three jobs and purchased a 1965 pick-up truck prior to
even getting his driver’s license. In 1976, he graduated from Wilton High
School. He was proud to be the owner/operator of a Peterbilt truck, with which he
hauled pool water in the summer and fuel oil in the winter.
Dave married Jane Kelleher in 1985 and moved to
Durham, Maine in the summer of 1986.
Together, they enjoyed working tirelessly to create the home and
property of their dreams. Dave worked for a local builder and moved on to a 15
year career at Bath Iron Works. All the while, he was also working to build his
own carpentry business, Dave Rice Construction. In 2003, he fulfilled a
longtime dream and went full-time with his business, utilizing many of the woodworking
skills he learned from his dad. He was a very proud individual and would never
put his name on anything he didn’t feel was of top quality.
In 1989, he
planted his first field of balsam firs, which was the start of his family owned
and operated choose and cut Christmas tree farm. It brought him great joy to
see growing families return year after year to create cherished memories at Rice
Christmas Tree Farm.
Although
very humble, Dave was very successful at anything he set his mind to. He
strived for perfection, was an independent thinker, and was also an excellent
problem solver. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help someone in
need. He strived to instill all of these values in his two daughters, Jessica
and Brittany. He was incredibly proud of the independent women they have become.
Throughout
his life, Dave enjoyed many outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing,
camping, and backpacking, all alongside his family. He spent many hours water
skiing, especially on Sebec Lake, where he also helped his parents build their
family camp. Whenever he had a free moment, he could usually be found in his
barn whistling away while creating his next masterpiece. In that same barn, he
also hosted many infamous parties. In more recent years, he found great
enjoyment working in the woods with his heavy equipment.
He was
predeceased by his father, William J. Rice Jr. He is survived by his mother, Maryhelen Rice; wife
of 34 years, Jane S. Rice; daughters, Jessica A. (Kyle) Enman and Brittany A. (Alex)
Perkins; siblings, William J.
(Brooke) Rice III, Jane E. Rice, Michael T. (Patricia) Rice, Timothy J. (Lori)
Rice, and Mathew C. (Lori) Rice; many
nieces and nephews and a host of long-time friends. He was also looking forward to the birth of his first
grandchild, Baby Enman, in April 2020.
A memorial visitation will be
held for friends and family on Thursday, November 21st from 4-7pm at
Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal Street in Brunswick,
Maine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 22nd
at 10am at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen
Street, Brunswick, Maine with a reception to follow in the parish
hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making
a donation to:
Friends of Baxter State Park
PO Box 322, Belfast, ME 04915
friendsofbaxter.org/support/donate
Memorial condolences
may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com