American hero

On Dec. 24 your paper carried an obituary for Richard H. Webber of Eastport. His untimely passing a few days before Christmas was a shock to his family and all who knew him. His family includes a devoted wife of 44 years, eight children and their families.

His children came from as far away as Texas and Florida to be at their mother’s side and assist her in the preparations that needed to be made. The entire family worked together and arranged for the wake and funeral in Eastport and then for the internment in Massachusetts.

Dick was given a full military funeral by the Marine Corps, with whom he served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was a Combat Marine and his awards for gallantry were numerous.

But beyond all of this, what made Dick a true hero was how he loved and was loved by those who knew him. He was respected for who he was, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend in every sense of the word.

The lives he saved in his service to the United States and the lives changed by his unselfish acts are his testament. The love of his family was his reward here on earth.

God bless and semper fi, Dick. You will be missed. Wayne F. Hoyt Calais