Odias “Odie” Albert Bachelder (1950-2012)

RANGELEY - Odias “Odie” Albert Bachelder was born March 10, 1950 and died suddenly on Jan. 21, 2012. He woke everyday with absolute knowledge that each day was a gift. He was a proud man who lived by his convictions. He is well loved by his family and many, many friends.

Odias Bachelder

Odie was a well respected plumber who had a reputation for doing a job correctly the first time, and he never shied away from a challenging obstacle. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, never backing down from a good wrestling match, no matter how big his opponent had grown. He always preferred being outdoors: snowmobiling, skiing, mowing his fields, working, hiking, motorcycling or if he was indoors, he wanted to be at the camp that he shared with his very special Aunt Lena and Uncle Shirk.

He loved cars with personality. He loved racing them and showing them, and he could polish them beyond their own beauty. He was a previous member of the '55,' 56, '57 Chevy Club.

He attended church services often and was a member of the Kemankeag Masonic Lodge of Rangeley.

He is survived by his four children, Polly Comeau and her husband Randy, New Durham NH; Odias Albert Bachelder II and and his wife Laurie, Portland; Lynsie Bachelder, Bangor and Chelsea Bachelder, Providence, R.I.
He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Erika Macaione, Amanda Macaione, Anthony (AJ) Macaione, Andrew Macaione, Brooke Bachelder, Avery Bachelder, Alex Twombly, Griffin Comeau, and Alyssa Jacobs. He was looking forward to loving another grandchild due to be born in April 2012. His mother, Ivah Palmer, Stratton, three brothers: Roger Palmer, Sherwood Palmer, and Nelson Palmer; and his two sisters: Gloria and Alicia Fortenbacker are all saddened by his loss.

Condolences, memories, and tributes, as well as a memorial video may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

Public memorial services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 2 pm from the Church of the Good Shepherd, Main Street, Rangeley, with Masonic Memorial Services closing the service by members of Kemankeag Masonic Lodge. Following services, the family will receive relatives and friends in the undercroft of the church with refreshments hosted by the Episcopal Church Women. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be considered to the Odie Bachelder Scholarship Fund, Franklin Savings Bank, Att: Leanna Wilbur, PO Box 650, Rangeley, ME 04970. Funeral services are being cared for and provided by the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington.