Obituary of Ronald Donald Harrison

STOCKTON SPRINGS ROLAND DONALD HARRISON, 98 of Stockton Springs, passed away March 1, 2012 in Belfast. He was born in Stockton Springs on July 14, 1913, the oldest son of Arthur H. and Gertrude R. (Berry) Harrison. From an early age he loved exploring the out of doors. He attended and graduated from Stockton Springs schools. After graduation, he joined the Merchant Marines as an ordinary seaman. He worked his way up to first mate and was eligible for sitting for his Captain's license when he stopped going to sea. His first Christmas away from home was spent in China. Most of his sailing was to ports in Asia and Africa. Near the beginning of World War II, he was recruited to teach navigation at a wartime Coast Guard academy at Seaman's Church Institute in NYC and was commissioned as a Coast Guard officer. In 1938 he married Helen Mixer Barrett. Together they had three children, Fred, Nancy and Kathy. Having had enough of wearing suits, Roland returned to Stockton Springs with Helen and young Fred. He worked as a longshoreman in Searsport when ammunition was being shipped through the port. As that work became irregular, he added carpentry, marine worming and logging to his list of jobs. He always had a large garden as his children were growing up and continued to garden into his nineties. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, and he spent many happy hours at the family camp on Rocky Pond in Orland. He remained quite active until a year and a half ago. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Edwin, Lester and Chester Harrison and his son-in-law James Johnston. Roland is survived by his wife of 73 years, Helen; his son Fred Harrison and his wife Geraldine of Round Rock, Texas, his daughter Nancy Johnston and her partner Charles Hennessey of Windham, Maine and Kathy Harrison of Stockton Springs; grandchildren Tanji Johnston and partner Kent Simmons of Freeport, Maine; Susan Parks and husband Scott of Goodyear, Arizona, Brian Johnston and wife Anna of North Conway, New Hampshire, Jeff Harrison of Leander, Texas and Greg Harrison and wife Heather of Trophy Club, Texas; great-grandchildren Megan Ragucci of Freeport, Maine, Nicholas and Benjamin Parks of Goodyear, Arizona, Myra and James Johnston of North Conway, New Hampshire, Colton and Topher Harrison of Trophy Club, Texas; many nieces and nephews; the "Coffee Crew" and several special friends. Roland's wishes were to have no visiting hours or funeral. The family will gather at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. On-line condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.