Richard Arnold Libby

Richard Arnold Libby

1935-2026

WINDHAM – Richard Arnold Libby, 90, passed away peacefully at home on February 14, 2026, with his loving wife and family at his bedside. Dickie was born at home in Windham, Maine, on April 18, 1935, and except for his time in the military, lived his entire life within one mile of where he was born. Because of Dickie’s lifelong roots in Windham, he was often called upon by local historians to recall where buildings and roads were located in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s.

At the young age of 14, Dickie started his working career with his fist job at Boody’s Store. He went onto to work at Arlington School in Windham stoking the coal furnace prior to joining the Marines in 1952. He wasn’t allowed to serve in the Korean War as he was only 17 years old, therefore, he was stationed in Virginia where he served until his honorable discharge in 1955. Dickie returned to Windham and worked in construction prior to joining Central Maine Power as a groundman in 1960. In his early 20’s, while working as a lineman, he fell off the pole after being hit by lightning! Dickie went on to enjoy a 30-year career at CMP where he served in leadership roles as Line Supervisor in Portland and District Supervisor in Bridgton prior to retiring in 1990. After retiring, Dickie picked up a part-time job with Kassbohrer of North America delivering Setra Motor Coaches across the country. He took 235 trips, logging over 900,000 miles before retiring for good.

Dickie served the Windham Fire Department starting as a junior firefighter in 1950, advancing to Deputy Fire Chief in1962, and finishing his fire department career as Fire Chief from 1972-1976. He was also a proud member of the Masons and the Shriners, as well as, served as the electrician for the Cumberland County Fair Grounds for over 35 years. Dickie was also an avid Lionel Train collector.

In 1956, Dickie met Elaine Taylor, who would become his wife of 68 years. Dickie and Elaine were married on January 24, 1958, and chose Windham as their lifelong home. In the winter months, they became snowbirds to enjoy the milder weather of St. Cloud, Florida. They liked having family and friends visit them in Florida which always included a trip to Disney World. Taking in some ball games during spring training was a favorite pastime of Dickie’s, too.

When in Maine, Dickie could be counted on to help put the coffee on at Chute’s Family Restaurant arriving every weekday before 6am. He loved his morning routine of visiting with friends at the coffee shop. He also loved to walk! He walked at least 5 miles a day for over 30 years and only recently dropped back to 4 miles. When his health started to decline and going to Florida in the winter wasn’t an option, Dickie walked inside at Lowe’s where “the Lowe’s girls” would count his laps and affectionally called him “Mr. Libby”.

Dickie was predeceased by his parents, Charlie & Ruth Libby, his brothers, Charlie Jr and Barry, his three sisters, Wynona Libby, Janet Winslow, and Iris Pelletier, and his sister-in-law, Barbara Taylor.

Dickie is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Elaine (Taylor) Libby; his in-laws John & Carol Taylor of Windham, Alberta Peavey of Massachusetts, and Sherry Libby of Windham; Tim Tandberg, of Windham, who was like a son to Dickie; Tammy (Tandberg) Hill, of Windham, who was like a daughter to Dickie; and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on June 6, 2026, at Dolby, Blais & Segee, 434 River Road, Windham, Interment will follow at Arlington Cemetery in Windham. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital

22 Bramhall Street

Portland, ME 04102

bbch.org/giving

or

Make-A-Wish of Maine

66 Mussey Road

Scarborough, ME 04074

Wish.org