The tradition of Eight Bells pays respect to deceased mariners and signifies that a sailor’s “watch” is over.
died unexpectedly on December 2, 2023, at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. Born in Damariscotta, Deshon was active in athletics at Rockland (Maine) High School, where he graduated in the class of 1950 and graduated from MMA with a Nautical Science degree in 1953. At the end of 1953, he took his commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy on the destroyer USS Benham (DD 796). After two years in the Navy, Deshon returned to Rockland, where he took a position as city recreation director and coach of the town’s Pony League baseball team. Deshon then earned a B.S. degree in physical education. In 1962, Deshon worked as an instructor of health and physical education and coach of baseball and basketball at Salisbury State Teacher’s College. He retired from coaching in 1997 as the 13th most-winning baseball coach in NCAA Division III history. Deshon’s career honors include being the 1967 Maryland Intercollegiate Basketball Coach of the Year, 1971 N.A.I.A. District 19 Baseball Coach of the Year, 1979 N.A.I.A. District 3 Baseball Coach of the Year, 1998 inductee to the Salisbury (Md.) University Athletics Hall of Fame, 2012 inductee to the Eastern Shore (Md.) Baseball Hall of Fame and 2013 inductee to the Midcoast (Maine) Sports Hall of Fame.
passed away on February 14, 2024, at the Gosnell House. He grew up and attended school in Bangor, Maine. After graduating from MMA, he volunteered for active Naval service. After completing his service on the destroyer USS Benham, he returned to Maine to earn his teaching credentials at the University of Maine at Orono. Wibby taught physics at Yarmouth High School, Scarborough High School, and Mount Ararat High School. He was also an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve and retired at the rank of Captain. He was a lifelong learner and educator. After his career in teaching, Wibby turned his attention to politics and was especially active with Maine Taxpayers United. He worked diligently to educate politicians about government spending and the consequences for his grandchildren. Eventually he started working for the Gray Republicans and other conservative initiatives. Throughout Wibby’s life, he took on many hobbies. He was an active umpire for Yarmouth Little League. He became a small plane pilot and enjoyed seeing Maine from the air. Golf, reading history books, and listening to music were vital parts of his life. He enjoyed ballroom dancing and became an enthusiast and instructor. He loved time with his children and grandchildren.
died September 22, 2023. He was born in Hamburg, Germany. His military career spanned over forty years as an Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and U.S. Army Reserve. Bracker worked as a teacher for twenty years in Connecticut. In Florida, he became a realtor and later published vignettes of history for posterity. Bracker was a member of the Tarpon Springs Masonic Lodge #112.
passed away on February 15, 2024. Morse graduated from Morse High School in Bath, Maine, and received an engineering degree from MMA. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Philippine Sea CVS 47 as an engineering officer for two years, after which he shipped for American Trading and Production Co. until 1967. He then came ashore and joined The Babcock and Wilcox Co. in New York City as a service engineer until 1979. Returning to Maine, he worked as a senior test engineer at Bath Iron Works and retired in 1995. Morse had a long and happy retirement spending winter months golfing in Florida and Mississippi and enjoying life in Maine with his wife, his two children, and his two grandchildren.
passed away on January 13, 2024. Banks attended Bangor High School and MMA. He served in the United States Navy.
passed away on October 5, 2023. Penley graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine and from MMA with a Bachelor of Marine Science degree, a U.S. Coast Guard Third Engineer license and a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Penley served on various ships and shore duty during his Naval career including a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam. After leaving the Navy in 1967, with the rank of Lieutenant, Penley commenced his civilian career at Electric Boat until his retirement in 1996. Penley enjoyed many hobbies including needlecraft projects, rug making, woodworking, and yard work. He was a self-proclaimed do-it-yourself handyman. His greatest achievement, with the help from his family, was the construction of a three-bedroom home in the 1980’s. Penley was a dedicated member of the Preston City Congregational Church and a member of the North Stonington Community Grange, P. of H. No. 1338.
died on January 22, 2023. Scribner was educated in Norway, Maine, schools and graduated from MMA. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy before working as a Merchant Marine. He was the State of Maine Treasurer for many years and held many jobs within state government. Scribner also was an instructor in Governmental Finance at the University of Maine and the author of “Raising State and Local Revenues: Emerging Patterns in Revenue Systems”. Scribner was a member of 103rd Legislature (Appropriations Committee), Campaign Director and Treasurer for Governor Curtis in 1966, and he was active in voter registration drives for 12 years. Scribner was a member of the Maine Society of Public Accountants, American Institute of C.P.A., past president of Maine Chapter, American Society for Public Administration, National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers. He had a passion for HAM Radio for many years, taught students how to operate HAM Radio, and enjoyed summers at the ocean with family and friends.
of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away on February 16, 2023.
passed away on October 23, 2023. Kelly graduated from Brewer High School in 1955, where he excelled in football and captained the baseball team for three years. He then graduated from MCI in Pittsfield in 1956 and MMA in 1959, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science. Following graduation, Kelly began his 30 year active-duty Naval career, where he commanded several ships and shore commands. During his career, Kelly was awarded several decorations, including the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars with Combat Valor, and two Meritorious Service Awards. Following his distinguished Naval career, Kelly established Kelstar International Company, an international trading company specializing in European business. He relocated to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he set up a multi-million-dollar juice company. He returned to the U.S., settling in Blue Hill, Maine, where he was an active member of many organizations. At age 67, he volunteered to support the American troops during the Iraq War by living and working in Baghdad for eight months providing technical and organizational support to U.S. forces. His achievements were recognized in Don Colson’s book, “Quiet Courage”, published in 2007. Kelly also was a member of the Brewer Kiwanis Club and an active member of the Brewer American Legion Post 98. Kelly especially loved fishing in Maine, football, baseball, collecting antiques, participating in local politics, and loved cars. Kelly was a loyal and generous friend to many people and could always be counted upon to lend a hand and provide sound guidance to our youth.
died February 10, 2024. Rush attended schools in Quincy and Haverhill, Mass., where he graduated high school in 1959. Rush then attended Huntington Prep School, Boston, Mass., followed by MMA, graduating in 1964, the first four-year class. Rush immediately began a sailing career, initially as 3rd Engineer aboard the SS Manhattan. Within eleven years, Rush upgraded his license to Chief Engineer. He was also a member of the Naval Reserves, retiring in 1971, having received the rank of Lieutenant. The lure of his family convinced Rush it was time to retire from sailing life on the high seas and in 1979 he began an entirely different career, becoming General Manager of A.L. Stewart & Sons/Oxford Frozen Foods, LTD., in Cherryfield, Maine, and retiring after 33 years. Rush was a longtime deacon of Eden Baptist Church. Rush hadn’t completely ended his sailing and became captain of his 18-foot wooden lap streak, and through acquiring other small crafts through the years, eventually received his residential lobster license and enjoyed harvesting his catch with his son in Frenchman Bay. Rush also enjoyed gardening, golf, and other landlocked interests.
passed away December 25, 2023. Born in Boothbay, Maine, McPhee was part of a long legacy of Boothbay families. McPhee graduated college in 1965 as part of the second student body class to complete a full 4-year program at MMA. After graduating, McPhee began his career as a merchant mariner for Texaco which after many years culminated as Commodore Chief Engineer. He retired in 1994. McPhee shipped all over the world, including through the Panama Canal. During his time at sea, he invented the McPhee Crossover, a new approach to fuel management that was far more efficient and was implemented throughout the Texaco fleet. A life at sea suited McPhee as it requires a unique self-discipline to honor the responsibility for the lives of those who sail with you. McPhee exemplified the high ideals and qualifications of an officer and a gentleman of the United States Merchant Marine. When not at sea, he loved cooking big breakfasts, woodworking, and spending days out in the harbor on his boat, Trick’s End.
passed away on February 22, 2024. After he graduated high school, Weast attended MMA. He spent over 30 years working at Maine Yankee in Wiscasset, Maine. After the plant decommissioning, Weast worked for Duke Power. His new co-workers quickly learned that this “Maine Yankee” came to them missing the ability to pronounce the letter “R”. Although they teased, he loved it and formed friendships that he treasured. Weast led by example and taught his children the importance of treating others the way you want to be treated, living with integrity, and standing for what was right even if it wasn’t easy. He learned his sense of giving back to the community from his father and followed in his footsteps by being a member of the Dresden Masonic Lodge No. 103 and the Kora Shriners Temple, both for over 50 years. Weast was an avid golfer; he could often be found traveling the state chasing the elusive perfect score. He spent most of his retirement visiting various Civil War Battle sites. Weast loved to putter around the house working on his yard and always had some project he was working on. If he wasn’t puttering or traveling you could find him reading one of his many Tom Clancy books, which he loved. Weast was known for his great love of family, animals, and his ability to never meet a stranger. If he was your friend, he was your friend through thick and thin.
passed away on March 6, 2024. Murphy was born in Portland and was a graduate of Cheverus High School, Class of 1964, and MMA’s Class of 1968.
died on February 23, 2024. Born in Cambridge, Mass., Bond graduated from Arlington High School and MMA. Upon graduation, he worked for Texaco Inc., delivering marine products between Port Arthur, Texas, and the northeast. He also worked in Marine Sales. Upon retirement, Bond moved to Center Harbor, New Hampshire, where he could enjoy lakes, forests, and boats. He enjoyed a wide range of boats throughout his life, from rowboats and canoes to outboard motorboats, including small outboards, jet boats, and higher-powered crafts before graduating to Thunderchief, a very fast and loud 29’ outboard – all the while also having a trusted pontoon boat at the dock on Lake Waukewan. Bond was an active board member of the Bay Shore Yacht Club for many years. Bond volunteered his skills to the Town of Meredith for various projects, such as Lake Waukewan Water Testing Project. Bond was always there whenever something needed to be done, and when personally involved, he was meticulous.
passed away on November 14, 2023. Raised in Berlin, New Hampshire, MacKinnon graduated from Berlin High School in 1963. He graduated from MMA in 1968. After graduation, MacKinnon went to work for Lykes Brother Steamship Company out of New Orleans and he remained a resident of South Louisiana for the next 55 years. He sailed for Lykes for 25 years and saw every major port in nearly every country that was not locked behind the Iron Curtain. He held a commission as a reserve officer in the United States Navy Reserve during the Vietnam War, carrying munitions and supplies into Saigon and other ports in the conflict area, and was discharged as a Lieutenant in 1973. He sailed for most of his career as Chief Mate until sitting for his Masters License in 1987 and sailing his final years as master. He retired from Lykes Brothers in 1993. MacKinnon then began a second career as a marine surveyor, working 24 years for Technical Maritime Associates and Dufour, Laskey, and Strauss. MacKinnon grew up playing hockey, football, and baseball and loved sports throughout his life. As an adult, he enjoyed softball and sailing. He was an avid hunter and fisherman as a child and continued to fish throughout his life. MacKinnon loved to be on the water and continued to boat and sail long after he retired from going to sea. MacKinnon loved to cook and learned many of his recipes from the stewards on his ships.
passed away on November 28, 2023. After attending MMA, Walsh shipped for twelve years, closing his sea life as a Chief Engineer. Later, he worked in multiple industries as an engineer and in business development. Nearing retirement, Walsh opened his business consulting firm, The Lamson Group, named after the ship his father served on during WWII. Walsh was also a Maine Guide and enjoyed fly fishing.
passed away on December 18, 2023. Born in Boston, Mass., Gould was known for his athleticism. He was an outstanding baseball and football player at Holliston High School Mass., where he graduated in 1968. Gould excelled playing football at MMA and was the team’s co-captain his senior year. He was highly respected by his teammates and his classmates. Upon graduation in 1972, Gould sailed with United Fruit and Army Corp of Engineers for a few years before coming ashore to work as an executive directing Global Operations at Texaco’s world-wide headquarters in White Plains, New York, where he traveled and worked internationally, making friends wherever he was. Gould achieved the rank of Commander as a Select Reservist in the U.S. Navy in the Merchant Marine Reserves. He was an honorary member of the Boston Marine Society, Association of Military Officers, and MMA Alumni Association.
passed away on February 15, 2024. Vail graduated from Bonny Eagle High School in 1976 and MMA in 1980, where he was a member of the soccer team. He graduated in the top 10 of his class with a BS in Marine Engineering and a minor in Engineering Science. He was a Senior Field Engineer for General Electric from 1980 until his retirement in June of 2022. Vail was a member of the Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. He spent some years living in Virginia before returning to Maine to be closer to his family. He was a respected leader in his field and was sought out for advice often, even in retirement. When Vail wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time with his family, boating, fishing with his dad and grandkids, and hunting with his brother and friends. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Patriots, listening to the Beatles, and traveling. Vail had quite a sense of humor, at times inappropriate, and a highly contagious laugh.
passed on December 20, 2023. Hall graduated from Searsport High School in 1977 and as a deck officer from MMA in 1981. After a successful three-decade career as a maritime officer, Hall retired to enjoy a life of family, friends, and relaxation at his farm in Monroe and his camp on Ambajejus Lake. He was known for living life to its fullest; enjoying sports, making good food, watching his theatrical and musical family perform, exploring the locations and histories of the Maine north woods, riding his motorcycle, listening to his favorite music, and loving his family with an indescribable passion. His greatest solace was watching the sunset at camp with a cigar and whiskey in hand and his faithful companion dog, Abol, at his side.
passed away on March 9, 2024. Fernald graduated from MMA, where he earned a degree in marine engineering, and participated in the sailing team. After graduation, he worked in major cities across the country, where he found himself in the chief engineer role for high-rise buildings and mega hotels. After a few years away, he found himself longing to return home to Maine, where he worked as a fifth-generation funeral director. He gave back to his profession by developing and mentoring many practitioners, championing the skills learned growing up in a small business, and helping the profession continue to meet the changing needs of the community. Fernald never missed a chance to reconnect with the places and people he loved. He enjoyed boating, sailing with his racing team, cycling, hiking, convertible rides, UMaine hockey and Celtics games, and skiing.
passed away unexpectedly on February 14, 2024. Born in Portland, Anderson grew up in South Portland, attended Willard Elementary School, Mahoney Middle School, and graduated from South Portland High School in 1980. After high school, he graduated from MMA, following in the footsteps of his cousin Mark Hellen. Anderson would go on to spend the next 25+ years moving up from Third Engineer (Crest Oil Tankers) to Second Engineer (Kingston, Jamaica, Barahona, Dominican Republic Independent Power Consultant) to First Engineer (Keystone Shipping Company) and quickly to Chief Engineer for Alaska Tanker Company. As most mariners will tell you, a career of 75 days on and 75 days off takes its own toll. However, there was something about the open seas that lured and captivated Anderson. Sailing gifted him with a clarity, a self-knowledge that his one value in life was family. Wherever Anderson was, it soon became a celebration because he and you were together.
passed away December 17, 2023. He graduated from Jay High School, after which he would go on to play football at MMA while earning his bachelor’s in Marine Engineering Technology. Upon graduation, Rowland began his career in the Navy where he would fly P-3 Orions. Upon retiring from the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1990, he began a career in manufacturing. In 2017 Rowland started his business Creative Creations Woodworking. As a talented woodworker, this was his ideal job and he excelled at it. Rowland was a loving and caring father to his three sons, attending every sporting function he could, and coaching at any opportunity. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fly fishing, and was an active member in the NAVHDA and NADKC hunting dog communities.
passed away on September 30, 2023. Fortier graduated from Winslow High School in 1982. He went on to graduate from MMA with a BS in engineering, and then embarked on his prolific engineering career. After several years with General Dynamics – Electric Boat Division as a Submarine Construction Foreman, Fortier began his long career with Westinghouse/Northrup Grumman as a field engineer, supervising the construction and installation of turbines and turbo generators in many U.S. Navy vessels. Fortier retired from Northrup Grumman in 2010 and began a career as an independent contractor, where his expertise was in constant demand. One memorable assignment for the Navy had him flying to the Middle East and landing on an aircraft carrier to oversee a turbine repair. Once done, he was catapulted off the carrier. In 2011, the City of Boston hired him to oversee the construction of its new fire boat. When completed, Fortier’s fee was officially noted to be the best money they’d spent thanks to his attention to detail. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved snowmobiling. At MMA, Fortier became part of a large “band of brothers” that became lifetime friends. Many of those midshipmen were the very ones, amongst his many other great friends, who kept him laughing and reminiscing in the last weeks of his wonderful life. Fortier made a generous donation to the MMA Class of 1986 Endowed Scholarship Fund and will forever be associated with that great institution.
sailed over the horizon on March 14, 2024. Korda loved animals, nature, and being at the shore and sea at Camp Ellis with his beloved dog, Nestle. Korda grew up in Falmouth, Maine, attended Falmouth schools, and graduated from Hebron Academy. He graduated with a Nautical Science degree from MMA. A highly skilled seaman, Korda shipped out to destinations around the world on naval, research, and training vessels including to the Persian Gulf and the Arctic Circle. In Maine, he enjoyed lobster fishing and urchin diving in Casco Bay and Midcoast. He was especially proud of his restoration of a Herreshoff sailboat, Thunder Rose, to her original specifications. On land, he enjoyed working with residents and crew at Ocean View.
passed away on February 17, 2024. Poltrack was born in Stamford, Conn. He went to grammar school in Stamford and graduated from Stamford Catholic High School in 1961. Poltrack joined the U.S. Naval Reserve to serve his country after high school and served on active duty in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Constellation aircraft carrier and numerous other ships and locations. He became enchanted with the state of Maine after being stationed there for a period with the U.S. Navy and made Maine his permanent home. After retiring from the Navy in 1994, Poltrack went on to work at MMA, a job that he thoroughly enjoyed.
passed away February 23, 2024. Burton grew up on Monhegan Island Plantation, enjoying life with his friends, before attending MMA as a member of the Class of ‘90E. After graduation, Burton worked at Newport News Shipbuilding for ten years in the nuclear fueling program, supporting both submarine & aircraft carrier work. Burton moved home to Maine in 2001 when he and his partners started Downeast Marine Resources. Burton then began his career at MMA, where he loved instructing his students and was celebrated with an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014. Burton was a genial soul, always ready to greet you with a smile and a laugh. He was often seen zipping around town on his blue scooter, wearing his signature color: day-glow orange. Burton enjoyed working on projects, whether working in his shop, tinkering on engines, or lending a hand to neighbors. In nice weather, he would often be found in the yard gardening & tending to his fruit trees, but he always had time to stop and speak with friends when they stopped in to say hello. In rainy weather, he might be found inside, piled on by cats. Burton also enjoyed spending time with his family, either at home, or on special trips to Boston, MA or Sanibel, FL. An avid New England Patriots fan, Burton was beginning to appreciate both the Boston Celtics & Maine Black Bears Hockey.
passed away December 8th, 2023. Barrows graduated from Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, Vermont, and later received his bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering Operations from MMA. Upon graduation, he became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. He later served in the U.S. Air Force and had a combined total of 25 years of service to his country. Towards the end of his military career, Barrows became interested in brewing his own beer. After much research and practice, he decided to attend the American Brewers Guild “Brew School” in Middlebury. Post-retirement, he decided to establish his own brewery where he would be his own boss. On February 12th, 2021, he opened Farm Road Brewing, offering food to accompany a rotating roster of beers. The beers carried locally and personally inspired names such as “Bronson”, “767”, “Black Pearl”, “Equinox,” and “I Don’t Know, Margo” to name a few. Besides his passion for the Brewery and the world of brewing, Barrows enjoyed listening to the Grateful Dead and Phish. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
died on February 25, 2024. Jadamec will be deeply missed by his family and his co-workers at Electric Boat. His work ethic and advisement, both at home and professionally, will be sorely missed. Jadamec loved working outside more than anything else and was happiest driving around the yard on his John Deere tractor, hiking through the woods tapping maple trees, or tending to his gardens.
Most Eight Bells entries are obtained from online news sources and edited for length. A complete listing of Eight Bells can be found at https://mainemaritime.edu/alumni/category/eight-bells/.
If you learn of the passing of an 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.
