Ronald Robert Ouellette quietly passed away in his home in Walsenburg, Colorado on May 22, 2018. He was born on January 17, 1949 in Lewiston, Maine. Ron graduated from Brunswick High School, then served in the US Army. Returning to Maine he built a 50 foot Ferro Cement sailboat designed for offshore sailing with live aboard accommodations including a bathtub. He then set a course for the Caribbean where he spent most his adult life.

A career change brought Ron to Everglades City, Florida where he built a cracker style house and his second boat.. It was a modified F9 Ian Farrier designed trimaran. Its shallow draft and higher speed ratios made it a perfect coastal boat that enabled him to sail solo from Maine to Florida . For the next two years, he sailed around the Bahamas, the Keys and the west coast of Florida. Its bright yellow hulls gave it the befitting name Chiquita.

During his life time Ron went from boat builder to construction worker to Registered Nurse, with an erudite smile so wide it would brighten the sky. Ron was a true Mainer, believing blood is thicker than water while holding true to those who will miss him.

Ron was pre-deceased by his mother and father, Irene and Robert Ouellette. He is survived by his sister, Joan Deemer, brother John Ouellette, their spouses, nieces and nephews and his lifemate Marlene Sassaman.

Ron's family will pay tribute to him during a private memorial. Those wishing to honor his life can donate to the Friends of Casco Bay (cascobay.org) in Portland, Maine.

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