BRUNSWICK — Rev. Richard F. Alexander, Sr. In the early morning hours of February 23, 2016, Rev. Richard Alexander closed his eyes on this earth and opened them in the presence of the Lord he always longed to see, whom we are sure said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home!”

Richard was born on June 28, 1935, in Sebasco, Maine, the seventh son of Henry and Estella (McKinney) Alexander. He was one of 13 siblings, growing up in a family of fishermen. His father actually was the first fisherman in Maine to trade with Canada. He attended school through the 8th grade. His beloved mother died when he was 16 and Richard needed to stay home to help out with the chores and the other children, and to work. Eventually his father remarried and Richard’s family then included 4 step-siblings and eventually 2 half siblings, for a total family of 19 children.

Richard worked alongside his father and brothers fishing and lobstering until he landed a job at Bath Iron Works as a welder. He worked at BIW, eventually becoming an inspector, until he retired after 42 years. During his early time at BIW, all the while fishing and clamming in his spare time, he walked into the Sebasco Church of the Nazarene and saw a lovely young girl, Naomi Crawford, eldest daughter of the minister at that time. Richard felt the Lord clearly say to him, “That’s the woman you’ll marry.” And so he did, on October 18, 1958. They were married for 57 years and had two children: their son, Richard F., Jr., and their daughter, Emily Joy.

Having given his life to Christ as a young man, after their children were grown he and Naomi felt the call to ministry, and they became lay pastors and interim pastors throughout Maine, particularly Midcoast and Coastal, spreading the cause of Christ, many years in the Church of the Nazarene where they pastored the Rockland church for 12 years, and then for the International Word of God Fellowship (IWOGF) church in Thomaston. Richard was ordained as a minister in 1996, an achievement and privilege that he carried throughout the rest of his life. In 2009, he received the Minister of the Year award from IWOGF.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, 16 siblings, and a beloved niece, Ellen. In addition to his loving wife, Naomi, of almost 58 years, he is survived by his son, Richard (Holly); his daughter, Emily (Don) Trimble; his grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart – because he was just a big kid himself – Richard F., III, Alexia Alexander (Ryan Martin), Leia and Sara Graves, Naomi and Miracle Trimble; one great-grandson, Link Lallier; brothers, Lendall (Sherry), Russell (Barbara), Henry (Natalie) Alexander; also two half-siblings, Duane Alexander and Ruth (Peter) Alexander; and two step-siblings Dan (Edith) Worth and Elaine Worth; two sisters-in-law, Sally (Bud) Alexander, and Deb (Greg) Young; an abundance of nephews and nieces and extended family; and many, many friends and “family” he adopted; Richard never ever met a child he didn’t love or who didn’t love him, and he did much to bring them joy.

Arrangements are made by David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home in Bath, Maine. Visiting will be held Saturday February 27 from 3-4 pm at the Sebasco Church of the Nazarene, Sebasco. A celebration of life will follow at 4 pm with a time of fellowship following the service, with the Rev. William Bailey officiating. To share your thoughts and condolences with the family please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com