Richard C. Ames passed away on October 1, 2002 in Brunswick, Maine of pancreatic cancer.  It was diagnosed only eight days prior to his death.

Dick was born in Melrose, MA, on Feb. 17, 1939 to Harold C. and Dorothy Wilson Ames and enjoyed numerous successful years in various schools in Massachusetts.  Following graduation (from USAFA) Dick attended pilot training and was assigned to the 40th Military Airlift Squadron at McGuire AFB, NJ where he flew C-135 aircraft in a worldwide transport role until 1965.  He then served a combat tour as a forward air controller with the 20th TASS flying out of Danang, Vietnam where he earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and sixteen Air Medals.

Upon his return to the states in 1966, Dick resigned his active duty commission as a Captain and attended the University of Colorado Law School.  He graduated with a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1969 and moved to Brunswick, Maine, where he practiced law with Aldred, Aldred and Ames for three years.  He then opened his own practice, the Ames Law Offices on Bank Street, where he remained for over 30 years.  He was very devoted to his law practice and became a leader in pro-bono work throughout the area.  Dick always believed that not having money to pay for attorney fees should never stand in the way of receiving good legal guidance.

A very active man, Dick spent much of his non-working time contributing to his community.  He was a member of the Elijah Kellogg Church, the Brunswick Rotary Club and, for a while, served as the president of the Bath-Brunswick Mental Health Association.  He also coached in the Brunswick and Harpswell Youth Soccer Leagues and enthusiastically supported the Brunswick Figure Skating Club.

The father of three sons and four daughters, he married Patty O'Brien in 1980.  Dick and Patty were devoted to their children and to their education.  He saw six of their seven children graduate from college, and their youngest daughter, Hannah, is now a junior at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL.

Dick's passing unquestionably shortened "The Long Blue Line."  He will be missed by each one of us who knew and respected him.  God Speed Dick and Check 6.

(Andi Biancur, '60)