SPRUCE HEAD — Ronald E. Rackliff, 75, died unexpectedly Dec. 6, 2013, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, after having a vascular accident the evening prior.

Born in Rockland Jan. 30, 1938, he was the son of Bernard E. and Dorothy Joyce Rackliff. Ron grew up in Spruce Head, where he lived all his life in his home only 50 yards from the house where he was raised. He attended St. George schools.

Ron began lobstering at the age of 8, and continued plying the waters he loved until the time of his death.

In June of 1986, he married Eileen McDermott in Spruce Head.

For the past 20 years, Ron and Eileen have wintered in Port Charlotte and on Pine Island, Fla. Ron enjoyed traveling all over the United States and had visited all 50 states.

Known for his warm and welcoming personality, Ron could, and would strike-up a conversation with anyone. He was always willing to help anyone and was often the first one there to do so. In earlier years, being one of the first in the area to own a snow plow, he enjoyed plowing for his friends and neighbors.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Eileen of Spruce Head; his son, Craig S. Rackliff and his wife, Adreth, of Spruce Head; his daughter, Tammy Parini and her husband, Glen; his first wife and mother of his children, Doris Rackliff, all of Warren; four grandchildren, Logan Rackliff and his wife, Hannah, of Spruce Head, Alexandra Rackliff and her fiancé, Luke Zable, of South Thomaston, and Brittney and Regan Parini, both of Warren; his grandpuppy, Hunter, who was a daily visitor; as well several cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A graveside service will be held Friday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m at Ocean View Cemetery in South Thomaston. The Revs.Thomas Buckley and Chris Noland will officiate.

Ron's family has designated the following for those considering memorial contributions; Spruce Head Community Church, P.O. Box 18, Spruce Head, ME 04859; Maine Affiliate Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 602, Brewer, ME 04412-0602; or Alzheimer's Association of Maine, 383 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.