passed away on November 18, 2020 in Leonardtown, Md. Upon high school graduation, Kalloch enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1948, where he served our country throughout the Pacific and finally in the Korean War arriving in the third wave on Inchon Landing, and fighting in the battles of Heartbreak Ridge, Chosin Reservoir, and Imjin River. After eighteen months of fighting on the front lines, Kalloch returned home to New York with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service to his country. Kalloch graduated from MMA with his bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science. Kalloch served as a navigating officer with the United States Merchant Marines, making frequent transatlantic crossings with United States Lines on the S.S. America and the S.S. United States. Dignitaries looking for the quiet escape from social duties, including then President Dwight D. Eisenhower, knew they could find night watchman, Third Officer Kalloch, for a quiet cup of coffee and easy conversation on the bridge. Resigning from United States Lines in 1962, Kalloch accepted an offer from the United States Naval Oceanographic Office as a Navigation Specialist. Kalloch raised and showed Bullmastiffs locally and along the mid-Atlantic coast. Kalloch was an avid reader and enjoyed tracing his family genealogy during his early retirement years. Anyone who knew Kalloch embraced his gift of an easy demeanor and casual conversation that made all feel at home with him.

passed away in Rockport, Maine, on April 10, 2025. A 1954 graduate of Rockland High School, Philbrook went on to explore his passion for the sea at MMA, graduating with a degree in Nautical Science. He also attended the University of Southern Maine where he took teaching courses and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. A proud veteran, Philbrook served in the Navy from 1957 to 1961, rising to the rank of 2nd officer on tankers for Mobil Oil. His life’s work was deeply tied to the sea, where he lobstered alongside his father from a young age before establishing his own career. However, his most fulfilling role came as a teacher of math, science, and the industrial arts in St. George, Maine, from 1968 to 1994. He found immense joy in nurturing young minds, leaving a lasting impression on countless students. Beyond teaching, he also worked as a ranger at Camden Hills State Park and truly enjoyed his time there. Philbrook enjoyed boatbuilding, even having his own boatyard, Philbrook Boatyard. He was an active member of the Thomaston Baptist Church, where he participated in various activities that strengthened the community. Philbrook dedicated over 20 years to the Boy Scouts,
earning the Silver Beaver Award in recognition of his commitment to youth and leadership training in the Pine Tree Council.

of Greenland, NH, formerly a 50-year resident of Rye, passed away on May 23, 2025, at his home following a period of declining health. Holt was raised in Kittery, Maine. After graduating from Maine Maritime Academy, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service aboard the USS Sailfish, SSR 572. Holt was a 4th generation river pilot and worked on the Piscataqua River for 47 years. He was President of Portsmouth Pilots, Inc, and General Manager for Portsmouth Navigation and Moran Towing from 1964-1988. He was instrumental in chartering the Propeller Club of Portsmouth, NH and served as its first president. He was recently honored at the 50th anniversary of its founding and received a commendation from the U.S. Coast Guard for his service to the maritime community. He also served as a past chairman of the Piscataqua Bank Board of Trustees. He was an avid mariner and loved being on the ocean. He was an extraordinary patriarch to his 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing and was a long-time member of The Red House on Goat Island in New Castle.

of San Diego, California and Castine, Maine, passed away on July 10, 2025, keeping his last watch over San Diego Harbor. Wardwell was born in Bangor, Maine, and attended Bangor High School, graduating in 1955. He attended MMA and was recognized as a gifted Battalion Executive Officer. After graduating from MMA, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy where he went on to have a remarkable career. He rose through the ranks with his strong work ethic and people skills, becoming a Captain at a young age. After spending his first few years serving in Maine and in Seattle, he moved to the west coast, where he worked for the San Diego Shipyard, Long Beach Naval Shipyard, and Hunter Point Shipyard where he ran the repair operations over the
rebuild of the President Ronald Reagan’s 300 ship Navy under Admiral Zumwalt. He finished his Naval career as the Commanding Officer of Mare Island Engineering Duty Officer School. After he retired, he went to work in Commercial Ship Repair as an executive at San Diego Iron and Steel. Wardwell had extensive family roots in Castine, Maine, where his ancestors had been for over 300 years. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending his weekends shooting clays and making his own ammo. He was a gentleman farmer, off neck, where he rebuilt a 120 year old family farm house where Sawyers, Wardwells, friends and neighbors have gathered for four generations.

passed away in Augusta, Maine, on July 9, 2025. Laney graduated from Skowhegan High School, class of 1956, where he played football, basketball and baseball for four years, and was also very involved in the band, playing the saxophone for the school as well as in local jazz bands. After graduation, Laney attended MMA where he earned his degree in Marine Engineering. Over the years, Laney enjoyed attending MMA class reunions with his fellow Mariners and most recently attended his 60th reunion. During this time, Laney enjoyed camping with his family and coaching in the Augusta North Little League and Babe Ruth baseball programs. Throughout his life, Laney was best known as a devoted father and grandfather. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf and took great pride in having taught his children and grandchildren how to play golf and enjoyed supporting their sports activities over the years. Laney worked for over 25 years as a control room operator for S.D. Warren Paper Company in Skowhegan. He was highly respected for his work and maintained many close friendships from his time at the mill. After Laney retired from SAPPI in 2000, he spent countless hours happily engaged in projects in his workshop. Laney could also be found helping any friend or family member who needed a favor or a helping hand.

passed away on June 14, 2025. He graduated from Deering High School in 1956. He continued his education at MMA, graduating third in the class of 1959, launching a long and successful career in the merchant marines. Ward worked for Mobil Oil Corporation and taught marine engineering at the Calhoon MEBA
Engineering School to U.S. Coast Guard cadets working to obtain their marine engineering licenses. He was a popular teacher for his knowledge, excellent communication skills, and his fairness. Ward returned to sailing as a marine engineer in 1976 and rose to the position of chief engineer on the SS Puerto Rico, sailing between the east coast of the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Ward enjoyed boating, Sebago Lake, taking long scenic Maine drives, sight-seeing, and the Red Sox. In 1989, the MEBA Union merged with the NMU (National Maritime Union), jeopardizing the MEBA pension plan and creating unrest among union members. Ward led dissatisfied members, organizing a committee, Members Advocating Democracy (MAD), to oppose the incumbent leadership. The MAD slate overwhelmingly won the union election and Ward became the Union President in 1992. He relocated to Maryland to serve his post in Baltimore and Washington D.C. During his tenure he preserved the pension plan and expanded members’ job opportunities. He retired in 1994 and returned to Maine.

passed away on March 26, 2025. His life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to his family, friends, and the community projects he believed in. Born in Fitchburg, Mass., Forrest was a proud graduate of MMA. His career as a merchant marine and engineer was distinguished by his service aboard the SS Savannah, the world’s first nuclear-powered merchant ship, as part of the Atoms for Peace program. He later worked as an engineer at Maine Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, where his expertise and dedication earned him the respect of all who worked alongside him. Throughout his career, Forrest contributed to numerous engineering and community projects, always giving his best to both his work and the people around him. In his later years, Forrest found great fulfillment in two particular endeavors: his dedication to the Virginia Project Maine’s First Ship, a community-driven initiative, and his work as an engineer at the Boothbay Railway Village. He took great pride in these projects, knowing that his contributions would leave a lasting impact on his community and future generations. Beyond his professional achievements, he was a generous and thoughtful man who believed in giving back. His contributions to local causes, including over 20 years of service on the local shellfish and waterfront committees, as well as his love of the outdoors and vintage cars, made him a well-respected figure in Wiscasset.

passed away on October 13, 2025. Laskay graduated from MMA and served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He worked in the maritime industry for more than 60 years. After serving at sea and beginning his career as a marine surveyor, he joined Dufour, Laskay & Strouse in 1988, becoming a partner and helping shape the firm into one of the most respected names in marine appraisal and surveying. Over his decades with DLS, he combined deep technical knowledge with a calm, steady leadership style that inspired confidence among clients and colleagues alike. Beyond his work within the firm, Laskay was widely recognized as a leader in the marine appraisal industry. He served for many years with the American Society of Appraisers, where he helped establish national standards for marine valuation and taught courses to surveyors around the world. He loved sharing stories from his early seafaring days and took great pride in seeing younger surveyors grow in their craft. His thoughtful mentorship, sharp wit, and unwavering professionalism left a lasting mark on both his colleagues and the entire maritime community. He loved sailing, reading and music. He was an active member of St Andrews Episcopal Church where he loved to volunteer his time and knowledge. Laskay will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and humor – a generous spirit whose legacy continues to guide those who had the privilege of knowing him

of Ormond Beach, Fla, passed away on March 20, 2025.

passed away on March 27, 2025, at Woodlands Senior Living in Waterville, Maine. Thibodeau was a graduate of Waterville High School, class of 1960 and MMA, class of 1964. Thibodeau spent several years shipping all over the world with the Merchant Marines. He spent his free time hunting, skiing, and attending local sporting events. Many hours were spent fishing, which was his true passion along with tying flies. He helped establish the Kennebec Valley Trout Unlimited. After retiring, he became a flyfishing guide in Maine and Montana.