Richard “Dick” Kelson, 94, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, peacefully with his family at his side.

He was the son of Charles and Emily (Wark) Kelson of Westbrook. Dick graduated early from Westbrook High School in 1943 to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He was only 17 when World War II erupted. Honorably discharged in 1946, he attended the University of Maine at Orono for a BA in Business, Class of 1950. There, he played club hockey from 1947–1950. Dick continued playing hockey with the Greater Portland Old-Timers, “Old Boots” in Falmouth and UMO Alumni until age 84!

He married Beth Jane Berube, also of Westbrook, on June 27, 1949. They had four children: Marcia, Susan, Bruce and Brian.

He was very involved in the Maine Magicians Society, performing shows for the public and birthdays. While working for Central Maine Power, his career advanced and they moved from Gardner to Auburn to Jay, and then settled in Bridgton in 1972. Here, he built their year-round home on Long Lake, where he retired in 1984 as District Manager of Bridgton. He enjoyed the family fishing trips to Sebago and Moosehead, as well as traveling in his motor home with the “Maineabagos,” and wintering in Florida or Myrtle Beach.

His wife predeceased him, as well as his brothers.

A service will be held at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta with his children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Gifts in memory of Richard Kelson ’50 may be made to support UMaine men’s ice hockey, payable to the University of Maine Foundation or online at umainefoundation.org/memorial