Dale Peter Goodridge

Dale who was always called by his middle name, Peter, was 79. He died peacefully on March 31st, Easter morning, into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ. Resurrection Day was the first day of his new life in God's family in Heaven. Happy Birthday, Peter.

He was born on September 2, 1944, the son of Carl W. and Verna F. (Daggett) Goodridge. Peter graduated from Morse High School in Bath, class of 1962. As a young man, he participated in Boy Scouts and enjoyed summers spent with grandparents Omar and Vera Daggett at their camp in Skowhegan. He enjoyed spending time with cousins, particularly Joanne Roberts.

Peter was an avid reader, and wrote many poems. He had a dry sense of humor and his poems varied with themes regarding thought and feelings, and beauty of the natural world. He enjoyed nature walks, musical theater, and playing piano.

Following High School graduation, Peter went on to Middlebury College in Vermont - earning a Masters Degree in French, when he graduated class of 1966.

He also was a participant in the ROTC program. Peter entered military service into the Army in 1967, holding office of 1st Lieutenant into Korea. Upon discharge in 1969, he taught French at Wilbraham Academy in Wilbraham, Mass for 2 years.

In 1970, Peter began a career with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, as an Import Specialist, at 312 Fore St. in Portland, ME. He retired in December of 2019 with 49 years of service. 

In 1973, he met Louise (Daignault). They were married that year and had two daughters - Jill M. Goodridge of Peabody, Mass and Natalie L. Goodridge of Malden, Mass. In 1987 the family moved to Gray, where the girls grew and were schooled.

In June, Peter and Louise would have celebrated 51 years of marriage, he will be sadly missed. He was a quiet, gentle man, who was always a gentleman.

Peter's passion was his garden. He had two perennial gardens, one with Old Fashioned Roses, the other a hodge-podge of poppies - various shrubs and colorful flowers. His particular interest was his lilac bushes which included white, pink, blue, and deep purple. He also loved lilies and grew vegetables. He enjoyed the birds who frequent the garden and build their nests.

The Kiss of Sun for Pardon,
The Song of the Birds for Mirth,
One is Nearer God's Heart in a Garden
Than Anywhere Else on Earth
~Unknown

Private Military Funeral and Burial will be at the Veterans Memorial Chapel and Cemetery in Augusta, ME.

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