On June 13, 1964, he married his soul mate, Laura Gilliam Ridgewell, and the couple resided in West Point. They were a couple who did everything together, they truly shared 51 years of marriage.
Bob was a family man and his first love was for his wife Laura and his son, Bobby. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them and they always came first. Fishing was the other love of Bob’s life, he fished for 64 years. He started lobstering at the age of 10. He worked for Jed Bartlett Lobstering & Trawling. He then worked for Sonny Gilliam and Clint Richardson on the F/V Molly and Jayne before becoming her captain. Bob then bought and captained the F/V April Gayle where he went offshore dragging and sword fishing on George’s Bank. He then worked out of Portland captaining numerous boats, which included the F/V American Eagle, F/V Edward L Moore and the F/V Robert & Michael. Bob then bought the F/V My Son and became part of the lobstering world.
Bob was a member of the Elks for 42 years.
Bob had a passion for music, he loved blue grass and blue grass festivals with “Blistered Fingers Band.” He also loved staying at camp in Moosehead, which was his favorite winter vacation.
Bob never held his thoughts back, and he was able to deliver his words with charm. He gave practical advice that others were able to apply to their life. He was always willing to help others and they could count on him to be there in times of need.
He loved the Lord with all of his heart, but never pushed his beliefs on others.
He had a big extended family that he loved with all of his heart. He taught all of his family how to live life, how to have fun and how to love everyone. He loved to make people laugh. He was born in Portland, Maine, but he “grew up” in West Point.
His beloved son, Robert “Bobby” Ridgewell Jr., precedes Bob in death. Also preceding him in death is his father Joseph Dyer and his sister Valerie Riddle.
Bob leaves behind his wife, Laura of Phippsburg; his mother Burle Brewer O’Neil, and his brother Joseph “Skipper” Dyer, both of Chebeague Island; and a sister, Valerie La Point. Bob also had many nieces and nephews who he loved and whom loved him dearly, Janet Doughty, Holly Wallace, Troy McNeil, Todd Wallace, Abby Wallace, Jennifer Gonyea, Adam Wallace and Laurie Wallace.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Small Point Baptist Church, Phippsburg, officiating will be Pastor Dan Coffin.
To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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