NORWAY – Ralph F. Sargent, “Sarge,” 69, of Sumner, died July 3, at Stephens Memorial Hospital surrounded by friends and family.

He was born in Boston, Mass. on Aug. 1, 1936, the son of Frederick and Phillis (Bishop) Sargent. Sarge was an Army veteran of the Korean War (infantry/airborne). He also served in the Army and Coast Guard Reserves. He had worked as a school bus driver for the Buckfield School system for many years and worked diligently in his post as the “tourist control officer” for the beautiful state of Maine.

He was a military history buff; loved to build models, particularly military ones, was an accomplished photographer and a wonderful artist. He was an avid reader, and loved British mysteries and comedies, especially Monty Python. He was an animal and nature lover from birth, loved to hunt and fish, an all-around outdoorsman. In his younger days enjoyed swimming and playing cowboys and Indians with his chums. He also had a passion for food and cooking, which he loved to share with others, especially Chinese and Korean cuisine. He very much loved his tea and will forever be remembered for it.

He is survived by his wife, Gail (Morrison) Sargent of Sumner; two sons, Ralph F. Sargent II of Massachusetts and Dean Sargent and his wife, Cherie, of Turner; four daughters, Cheryl, Gail and Kim, all of Massachusetts and Heather Robinson and her husband, Lloyd, of Auburn; two brothers, James Sargent of Auburn and Ken Sargent of New Hampshire; 14 grandchildren, six of whom are Gabrielle, Nicole, Trevor and Anna Sargent all of Turner and Charlie and Owen Robinson both of Auburn.

The family would like to express their thanks to all the people who helped and cared for Sarge (and Gail) during these past months, with special mention to Cheryl and John Saunders. Thank you so much, all of you, for your love and support.