Richard L Thayer III

Richard L. Thayer, III, of Portland, died Saturday January 17, 2015 unexpectedly.

He was born in Portland July 12, 1960 the son of Richard L. Thayer, Jr. (Deceased) and Shirley Thayer Fawcett.

Rick attended Portland schools graduating from Deering High School class of 1978, and went on to SMCC to study in the marine program. He was a holder of 100 ton merchant marine’s master’s license. He spent most of his working career in the Merchant Marine Service

Rick loved people which was returned ten fold, he never met a stranger and everyone got a nickname. He was the king of practical jokes. Rick started his career in the Merchant Marine Service at the young age of 15 for Casco Bay Lines and formed life-long friendships there. He later went on to fish commercially and shipped out to many foreign ports. He also served on the world’s largest ocean going tug boat and barge. He ultimately was a Captain for the Portland Pilot vessel for over 15 years on Casco Bay. He was a master mariner who knew what had to be done in all conditions. He protected his vessel, and fellow crewmen throughout his career. If someone’s wealth is measured by friendship Rick’s wealth is without limits for he has more friends than can be counted.

Besides his mother of South Portland, he leaves his son, Mark Hurley of Portland, his sister’s, Marion and her husband Mark Rand of Portland, Victoria (Queenie) Thayer of Portland, his former spouse, Stephanie Kostopoulos, nephews, Sam Thayer, Andrew Keeley, niece, Allie Keeley, and best friend, Mark (Sparky) Poirier, his Uncle Jeff Thayer, Aunt Ellen, and cousins, Andrea and Chandler.

Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Wednesday January 21, 2015 from 4 to 7PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home,

199 Woodford St, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday January 22, 2015 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Hope Parish (St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Stevens Ave, Portland. Interment will be private. Those wishing to send a tribute in Rick’s memory may do so by visiting www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.

If so desired, contributions may be made in his memory and in honor of his two cats Scotty and Sweet Pea to the Animal Refuge League, Stroudwater St, Westbrook, ME. 04092.