Ralph W. Oldham (1929-2014)

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DIXFIELD – Ralph W. Oldham, 85, of Peru, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday morning, July 24, 2014,  while doing something he enjoyed; working in the great outdoors.

Ralph W. Oldham
Ralph W. Oldham

He was born on April 9, 1929, a son of John Ralph and Lucina (Bryant) Oldham, growing up in Peru and Rumford, where he graduated from Stephens High School in 1947. After his graduation, he drove a truck and worked in the mill at Stowell-MacGregor. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was a paratrooper in the 187th Airborne Division, where he made countless jumps, and served in the Korean Conflict.

While serving, he married Mildred Mercier in Rumford. She died in 2008. After his discharge, he went to work for Central Maine Power Co., where he served as a first class lineman, transferring to the Augusta District where he served in the safety department, and then later transferred to the Farmington district as a line foreman.

Ralph never “retired” having driven tractor trailers until the age of 80, and he then continued doing odd jobs until his death, such as driving dump trucks and working for his son-in-law, delivering ambulances to new customers. He loved to ATV and would work on trails in local towns, riding daily, even in the hours before he passed.

He was known most recently as the “donut” man by his granddaughter for bringing donuts most every Sunday morning. She loved to see him coming with that box from Dunkin. He lived life to the fullest and truly enjoyed just being outdoors.

He leaves his daughter, Tanya Jordan and her husband, David of Canton; a son, Scot Oldham and his wife, Lorraine of Peru; his “daughter” Sharon and her husband Bill Gates of Peru ; grandchildren, Scotty and his wife, Melissa, Alexis, Alyssa and her husband Chris Barlow, Jarod and his wife, Jen, Allyson, Josh and his wife, Kristen, Tara and her husband Richard Korhonen, Tyler, and Riley; great grandchildren, Kaden, Korbin, Owen, Sophia, Silas, Waylon, Ivan, Haley, Kyle, Quinn, and Harper; and his special friend, Janice Hall of Dixfield.

He was predeceased by a brother John and a son, Gary on Feb 8, 1985.

Condolences and tributes may be shared with his family on his memorial wall where a memorial video may be shared after his services at www.wilesrc.com.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center 42 Weld St., Dixfield, Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10-noon for a memorial visitation. Interment will follow visitation with interment to follow with military honors at St. John’s Cemetery in Rumford. The family suggests that those who desire consider Ralph’s love for the outdoors by sending memorial contributions to the University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Center, PO Box 188, Bryant Pond, ME 04219.

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4 Comments

  1. Ralph was a sweet, kind, wonderful man full of life! I really enjoyed getting to know him over the years! He will be missed. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of each of you today, tomorrow and in the days to come.

  2. I drove with Ralphy for several years hauling paper shuttles out of Rumford …I have so many good memories of this wonderful man. God Bless you Ralph and your family Rest in Peace my friend

  3. I had first met Ralph when driving from the mill. We spent a few times riding together ,on some of wheeler trips with friends. I had stopped by to see him from time ,but sadly, not often enough. He was a really great guy!! He made a lasting impression on us all. God bless you and your family.My God wrap his loving arms around him.

  4. I have fond memories of Ralph, Millie, Gary and Scott. We spent a lot of time with them at their camp on Worthley Pond when I was much younger. The boat rides, cookouts and many good times were had by all. I send my deepest condolences to the Oldham family. Perhaps he and my Dad will chat over good times. Sending love to all of you.

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