Obituary of Richard M. Strang, Jr.

Richard Mather Strang Jr. Dedham and Boynton Beach, FL - Richard Mather Strang Jr., 82, died Feb. 29, 2016 after a brief illness. He was born July 12, 1934, the son of Richard, Sr. and Ina (Chambers) Strang. Rich grew up in Brewer and later Hampden, graduating from Hampden Academy. Rich worked for the Maine Central Railroad as a Conductor/Brakeman in the Bangor yard, a position for him that was more than a job, but one that he was devoted to. Prior to retiring from Maine Central, he and his wife Marjorie bought and operated MacDonald’s Market, a small convenience store on Garland Street in Bangor. One of Rich’s sources of pride and relaxation was their camp on Harriman Pond. From the time that he and his father “Pappy” built it in 1963, the family would spend every summer there, providing enjoyment for the growing family which eventually became one of sons and daughters-in-laws and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Camp was a treasure that gave Rich profound satisfaction and the opportunity to share its beauty and serenity with those he loved so dearly. Rich became active in the Anah Shrine and spent tireless years bringing wonder and joy to countless children and their families as the white face clown “Papa Bear”. Rich was also a very good woodworker and made a myriad of wooden items in his workshop. Most of the time the creations were something to be given away, as he was forever thinking of ways that he could build something that would make a friend or family members’ life easier or brighter. Rich and Marge retired to Boynton Beach, Florida becoming snowbirds, returning to the camp at Harriman Pond early every spring. Rich is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marjorie Alfreda (Arbo) Strang; son, Michael Strang and his wife, Nancy of Orrington; daughters, Kim Achorn and her husband, Tim of Bangor, Carol Viollette and her husband, Sam of Bradford; five beloved grandchildren, Jason Achorn and his wife, Jessica, Alison VanKempen and her husband, Mark, Rachel Gott and her husband, Justin, Eric Achorn and his wife, Whitney and Emily Strang; five cherished great-grandchildren, Calvin, Emma, Cole, Thomas and Charlotte; a brother, Glen Strang and his wife, Judy of Brewer; a much loved sister-in-law, Deanna and brothers-in-law, Ralph and Scott and their families. Rich was predeceased by a son Mark. Family and friends may visit 5 – 8 PM Friday, March 18, 2016 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State Street, Brewer. A memorial service honoring Rich’s life will be held 11 AM Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the North Brewer-Eddington United Methodist Church, 31 Main Road, Eddington with Rev. Kate Nicol, pastor, presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family would rather donations be sent to the North Brewer-Eddington Methodist Church 31 Main Road, Eddington, ME 04428. Messages and memories may be shared with his family at kileyandfoley.com.