FARMINGTON — Eric Richard “Dick” Ellis Sr., 81, a lifelong resident of Rangeley, died unexpectedly, Monday, June 28, at the Franklin Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Rangeley, Dec. 3, 1928, a son of Thayer and Neola (Bubier) Ellis. He attended and graduated from Rangeley High School and shortly thereafter married, Kay Crocker on July 24, 1948 in Farmington.

As a young man, Dick worked for Rangeley Lumber Co. and later for WAMCO, during which time he also worked as a part-time cattle farmer on the family farm in Rangeley. In 1970, he was very proud of the Grand Champion Award presented to him at the Franklin County Fair for all breeds of cattle.

At the age of 40, he began selling and servicing various brands of snowmobiles most notably Arctic Cat, which he did until the recent past. Up until the last few years, he also sold Monitor brand heating systems.

He and his wife traveled throughout North America extensively, which they enjoyed very much. Through his relationship with Arctic Cat they were also able to travel and vacation in Jamaica and Mexico.

Dick was a member of the Masons and also very involved with the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rangeley, where he sang in the choir for decades.

He is survived by his son, Eric R. Ellis Jr. of Westbrook; brothers, Delbert, Brian and Kirk Ellis, all of Rangeley; granddaughters, Shannon Webber and her partner, Jim Williams, of Rangeley and Carrie Lacasse and her husband, Bryan, of Richmond; great-grandchildren, Autumn-Skye Williams, Daxxtyn Williams and Mason Lacasse.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Kay on May 27, 2003; daughter, Kendra Searles on Oct.7, 2005; and siblings, Ray, Bruce and Annabelle.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with his family and friends at www.wilesrc.com.