Richard K. Whitten- South Portland It is with a mixture of profound sadness and a celebration of a life richly lived that we announce the passing of Richard K. Whitten, who, after a valiant and lengthy battle with dementia, left us peacefully on March 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Rick was born November 11th, 1956. Rick was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Anne Whitten and his Godparents, Henry and Evelyn Arsenault. He is survived by his wife Denise Whitten, who was his steadfast companion in life's journey; his proud children, Richard and Matthew (and his children, Kaylee, Ashley and Blake), who will carry forward his spirit of resilience and compassion; his mother-in-law Joann; and his siblings, Gregory, Marie, Theresa (and her husband Sonny), William (and his partner Mary Ellen), and James, who were not just brothers and sisters but lifelong friends. No recounting of Rick's life would be complete without mentioning his loyal Shih Tzu companion, Fritz, who was often by his side on many an adventure, whether it was walking along the fore river or just meandering through the neighborhood. This little canine friend was more than a pet; it was Rick's shadow, always there to share in the joy, the silence, and the unconditional love. Rick retired from the Cape Elizabeth School Department in 2021. Outside of work, Rick had a passion for the simple pleasures in life. He was an avid fisherman, known among friends and family for his endless pursuit of the elusive striped bass, a quest that provided not just fish but countless tales of "the one that got away." Rick also found joy in woodworking, crafting birdhouses that served not only as homes for his feathered friends but as symbols of his love for creativity. And then there were his frequent trips to the dump - adventures that he claimed were treasure hunts, often returning with more than he went with, much to Denise's amusement. Rick's legacy is not just in the halls he kept or the lives he touched, but in the laughter he leaves behind. He showed us the beauty in the mundane, the treasure in the discarded, and that the best catch isn't always in the water, but in the moments we share. A celebration of Rick's life will be held at the Mckernan Center (SMCC) on Sunday, March 24th, 2024, from 2-5pm. We invite all who knew and loved Rick to join us in sharing stories, laughter, and perhaps a fish tale or two, as we remember a man whose life was as rich and vibrant as the memories he leaves behind. "Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I'll miss you, until we meet again."