The tradition of Eight Bells pays respect to deceased mariners and signifies that a sailor's “watch” is over.

The practice dates back to the days of the sailing ships, when sailors couldn't afford to have their own time pieces and relied on the ship's bells to tell time. The ship's boy kept time by using a half-hour glass. Each time the sand ran out, he would turn the glass over and ring the appropriate number of bells. Each ship “watch” is four hours, or eight bells, in length.

Submissions for Eight Bells

If you learn of the passing of a MMA classmate, associate, friend or family member, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations so that we may include the information in our Eight Bells listings. Send obituaries or their digital links to alumni@mma.edu.

• Fred P. Trafton ’45

  Deceased date: September 11, 2019
  Fred P. Trafton, 93, died peacefully with family on Sept. 11, 2019. Fred was born in Gardiner, Maine, the son of Josephine (Smithread more

• Bryant L. Hopkins, Jr. ’46

  Deceased date: August 19, 2019
  Bryant L. Hopkins, Jr. became one with the Lord on August 19, 2019 at the home of his daughter in Richmond, Virginia after a protracted battle with several health issues. Known as Bud to his family, Bryant was born on August 13, 1926 in Waterville, Maine…read more

• Christopher A. Daley (Riel) ’93

  Deceased date: August 16, 2019
  Christopher Daley (Riel), 49, of Biddeford, Maine, died unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 He was a Portsmouth High School graduate of 1988 and a Maine Maritime graduate of 1993. After graduating college, he spent some time in the Navy reserves. He …read more

• R. Edward Hanson ’58

  Deceased date: August 11, 2019
  Ralph Edward "Ed" Hanson, 82, of Augusta, died peacefully Sunday Aug. 11, 2019 at the Maine Veterans' Home in Augusta. He was born in Portland June 23, 1937, the son of Ralph and Mary (Sudbay) Hanson. A 1955 graduate of Rockland High School and 1958 gra…read more

• Blaine E. Davis ’57

  Deceased date: July 21, 2019
  PORTLAND - Blaine Eugene Davis, 83, son of Blaine A. and Arlene (Nadeau) Davis died July 21, 2019 at his family residence in Portland, Maine. Blaine was born in West Enfield, Maine and grew up in Lincoln, Maine. Blaine graduated from Maine Maritime Aca…read more

• Robert W. Lubbers ’80

  Deceased date: July 9, 2019
  Robert W. Lubbers, 61, of Milford, CT, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2019, in the arms of his wife and soulmate, Ruth Becker Lubbers, and surrounded by family. Born in Manhasset, New York in 1958, he and Ruth graduated from Manhasset High School in 1…read more

• Peter J. King ’76

  Deceased date: July 5, 2019
  MILLINOCKET – Peter John King passed away Friday, July 5, 2019, at home surrounded by family after a strong battle against esophageal cancer. Pete was born in Millinocket on March 1, 1951, to Ellen (Woodhouse) and Kenneth F. King. A graduate of the Ste…read more

• Kenneth L. McCluney ’77

  Deceased date: June 29, 2019
  Kenneth L. McCluney, 66, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, June 29, 2019 in Houlton, Maine. He was born October 6, 1952, in Miami, Florida, the son of William and Virginia (Turner) Noble. Kenneth was raised in Florida and graduated from Southwest Miami…read more

• George J. Roane ’74

  Deceased date: June 29, 2019
  George James Roane, 68, born May 10, 1951 in Brunswick, second son of Paul M. and Priscilla (Brown) Roane Sr., passed away peacefully on June 29, 2019 at Marshwood Center in Lewiston, Maine. In early life he was a boy scout and altar boy, and was involve…read more

• Robert M. Glander ’75

  Deceased date: June 25, 2019
  Robert Mark Glander, captain of merchant vessels and maritime consultant, 27 year resident of Morehead City, North Carolina, died on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at the age of 67. Robert was a loving husband, devoted father, and avid hunter. He is survived by …read more