ALFRED- Blaine Calvin Goodrich, Sr. was born on April 16, 1934 in Sanford, Maine to Elmer Harold and Miriam Ada (Ridley) Goodrich. The fourth born child of ten children, Blaine grew up with four sisters and five brothers. Blaine’s nickname was created when his younger siblings, trying to pronounce his name with two syllables, were unable to say Blay-nee and only managed to say "Bunny". Bunny was the name by which his family and most people that had known him as a youngster called him.
Blaine had always been free-spirited, as demonstrated by a story that his mother used to tell: As a small child, Blaine used to run off whenever he was playing outside, so she decided to tie him to the porch railing to keep him home. Unfortunately, she tied the rope through his belt loops rather than around his waist. Needless to say, Blaine simply removed his pants and went on his way! In one version of the story he made it all the way to the Town Hall, where he was given candy.
Blaine attended schools in Alfred, Maine including Alfred High School. Blaine was an excellent catcher in baseball as well as an excellent guard in basketball. When the Alfred High School was closed in 1950-1951, the students were sent to attend school in Sanford, Maine. However, due to his proficiency at Basketball, the coach at the Buxton School wanted Blaine to play for his basketball team and convinced Blaine to go to school there. The coach found a place for Blaine to live, but Blaine became discontent with the situation and quit school to join the Marine Corps.
Serving in the United States Marine Corps during the early 1950's, Blaine appeared in the 1955 movie "Battle Cry" along with several other Marines, who were on the trucks pulling out in one of the scenes filmed on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. His older brother Sonny, who was serving in the U.S. Navy at the time, recalls that he and Blaine had "a real hell-raising time" (maybe not suitable for movies) whenever they were both home on leave at the same time.
After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Blaine lived in Newport News, Virginia working in the Fire Department. Blaine met Marian Olive Dudash while living there and they were married on September 19, 1956. Children of Blaine and Marian were Cynthia and Blaine, Jr. Blaine and Marian divorced on December 23, 1960
The next chapter in Blaine’s life began with returning to Maine to live in Sanford, where he began dating Rose. Blaine married Rose Marie Richer on September 9, 1961 in Sanford, Maine. Children of Blaine and Rose were Timothy, Holly and Jay. Blaine loved wildlife and raised several crows and squirrels during his life. Blaine also enjoyed ice fishing and hunting and though he liked getting a deer, he would admit that he really just enjoyed being in nature. During the 1960s, Blaine was a member of the Maine State Guard and worked in road construction in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. During the ‘60s and ‘70s Blaine used to get together with family and friends on a regular basis for playing Poker, Chess, Basketball or having cookouts at any of the lakes in Southern Maine. During the 1970s, Blaine worked in the mills of Sanford, eventually becoming the foreman at a factory that molded shoe soles. It was in the ‘70s that Blaine took up two new hobbies; raising flop-eared rabbits, which he only did for a few years, and metal detecting, which he continued to enjoy for the rest of his life. In fact, in the late 70’s, Blaine sold a small bucket of silver coins and jewelry, that he found while metal detecting, and used the cash to buy a Kawasaki 650cc motorcycle. Motorcycling was another thing that Blaine loved, riding until his mid-70s. Blaine and Rose lived in Sanford until the early 1980’s, when they divorced and Blaine began the next chapter in his life.
Blaine came into the life of Rachel May Aronson in 1982, rekindling an old friendship and becoming an important part in the lives of her children, Barbara and Bill. They were together for graduations, the marriage of Barbara to John Morissette and the loss of their beautiful daughter Kayleigh in 1995. He became the proud Grampa of Barbara and John's sons; Hunter in 1999 and Devin in 2003. During their 28 years together, Blaine and Rachel enjoyed many activities such as trips to Foxwood and Sun City and they were active members in the local American legion. They had a Goldwing and enjoyed riding thousands of miles on their bike. Blaine and Rachel were prior co-presidents of the Goldwing Riders Association, chapter A and together they attended many Americade Rallies. They did eventually part with their bike, but Blaine's desire to ride a motorcycle never went away. At the age of 81, with some coaxing, he brought his helmet on a visit with Bill. Once he checked out the motorcycle and felt confident, they rode to John's, so he could join the ride. The ride lasted a couple of hours; Blaine's grin lasted many more.
Blaine continued to work throughout his life, retiring from Millrock Inc. In 2004 following a short retirement he began working during the summers for Sanford Parks and Recreation Department. He worked there until the age of 82. Blaine continued to enjoy his metal detecting and woodworking in his work shop; many of his woodpecker silhouettes adorn Alfred and Sanford.
Blaine was diagnosed with cancer in November, 2015. One of his concerns was his ability to return to work the following summer, which of course he did. As the disease progressed through the winter of 2016-2017, he was still concerned about returning to work. Unfortunately, as spring approached, he did not feel up to returning to work. In May, Blaine was taken under the care of Hospice of Southern Maine, who provided him with wonderful care. He died peacefully at home on the morning of July 22, 2017 in the presence of family.
Blaine was predeceased by Rachel Aronson in 2010 and by his daughter, Holly LaBelle in 2013.
Blaine is survived by four children: Cynthia Strong, Blaine Goodrich, Jr, Timothy Goodrich and Jay Goodrich.
Blaine had ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Blaine is survived by Bill, Christie, Barb, John, Hunter, and Devin
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Rt. 1, #1, Scarborough, Maine 04074.
Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Alfred.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com
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