Ralph G. "Bud" Newcomb

Belfast- Ralph G. "Bud" Newcomb passed away September 22, 2022, at Harbor Hill Center in Belfast. Born in Winterport to G.E. Newcomb and Carolyn M. (Mingo) Newcomb on June 27, 1932. Ralph grew up in the Greater Bangor area and began work at 16 in a local lumber camp. He joined the U.S. Army in 1952, and was stationed in Washington D.C. After his time in the service, he worked for Webber Oil and was a civilian employee at Dow Air Force Base. He began working for Lane Construction as a heavy equipment operator in 1972 and became a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E. Local 4). 2022 marked his 50th year in good standing with his union. He also owned and operated Newcomb's Auto Body in Stockton Springs.
He retired from Lane's in 1996 and later returned to work for Bowden and Sons of Orland. In his off time, he enjoyed keeping a vegetable garden, woodworking and giving a helping hand wherever it was needed.
He retired for good in 2018 to spend time with and care for his wife Avis during her struggle with dementia.
He was predeceased by Avis in 2019 after 50 years of marriage. He is survived by his children Stephen Newcomb, Kathy Newcomb Billings, Regina Wascholl, Tammi Short, and Shawn Newcomb. As well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be missed by all who knew him. He was especially grateful for the company of friends and family in his last years. He looked forward to frequent visits from his long-time friends Jamie Thomas and Leon Buzzell and Sunday breakfast with close family friend Lisa Sanborn Gray. They were often joined by Cloe Redman and Bud's son-in-law Frank Short. He started every evening with a phone call to sister-in-law Linda Stevens to recap the day's events and mark the passage of another day.
Many people stepped up to help Bud in recent years, everyone mentioned above as well as son-in-law Larry Wascholl and grandson Chad Wascholl did whatever they could to make his life a little better.
The family would like to express special thanks to everyone at Harbor Hill who helped keep Bud comfortable in the last few months and his final days. Arrangements are under the care of Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Searsport. (mitchelltweedie-young.com)