Ralph L. Carter, 76, of East Boothbay died at Togus Veterans Hospital Aug. 28, 2018. He was the son of Ralph “Ace” Carter and Dorothy Louise Bryant.

Ralph was a lifelong lobsterman and boat builder, fishing for the past 65 years. He attended the local school and graduated in the class of 1960, the first class to graduate from the “new high school.”

Ralph married Mildred Fuller on Oct. 3, 1964. The couple was happily married for 54 years and raised three children, Mark, Matthew and Victoria.

Ralph enlisted in the Navy after high school, attending military sonar school in Key West, Florida. He was assigned sea duty in Spain, rose to the rank of E-5, second class gunners mate. Ralph was a decorated Sailor of the Year in a naval magazine and his unit set many records in tonnage of ordinance shipped to Vietnam. Ralph served aboard the USS Aut, DD 598 assigned to Intanbul, Malta, Sicily, Morocco, Africa and Gibraltar. He was honorably discharged in July of 1964.

After the Navy, Ralph returned to fishing and worked with Everett Barlow to build his first lobster boat. He owned and operated Linekin Bay Boat Yard for many years. In 1977, he built his present boat, Victoria, in his boat shop on Murray Hill. Along with boat repair, Ralph plowed snow and built several houses, including the two residences, three wharfs, and the boat shop on his property.

Ralph was one of the original charter members of the Boothbay Region Lobstermen Co-op, serving as treasurer. He was very involved in the Fishermen’s Festival, competing in many events, winning the trap hauling race and multiple tug of war championships.

Ralph also provided service to his community by serving as a trustee of the East Boothbay Water District, and as deputy harbor master for the town of Boothbay for over 20 years. He also launched and hauled up all the town floats and speed limit signs.

Ralph did many unique things in his life, such as living on Damariscove Island with his family for several summers. He would always have some wild animal or bird as a pet, usually a seagull always named Charlie. He even had an eagle once. Sometimes “Charlie” would land on the deck and walk right in the front door to get treats, usually eyeballing the cat to let him know not to mess with him.

Everyone in the neighborhood knew about Ralph’s cannon. It was a scale model Civil War era 6-pounder artillery piece, but not everyone knew he made it himself. Immediately after his passing, a military-style salute was sounded in his honor with his cannon firing over Linekin Bay.

Any local would know his favorite spots were Irving/Circle K to get coffee, then sitting in the Hannaford parking lot with his wife, Milllie. He also like to make a run to Ocean Point in the mornings to watch the boats go out for the day.

Ralph also had artistic ability; in his private time, he would make wood sculptures and drawings. He could also play musical instruments — the organ and electric guitar — by ear.

Ralph hosted many class reunions for his and Millie’s classmates at his property on Linekin Bay. Usually a lobster bake and firing of the cannon were in order.

Many people who met him would come away with the impression of a man who was a strong, independent person, with a private side. He would help anyone in need without even thinking about it.

Ralph was surrounded by his loving family in the final days of his life. He was truly at peace during his passing.

Ralph will be sadly missed by his family, including his wife, Mildred Carter; son, Mark Carter and his wife Paulette; son, Matthew Carter; daughter Victoria Carter; his mother, Dorothy (Bryant) Carter; brother, Douglas Carter; brother, Thomas Carter; sister, Dianne Hamilton; three grandchildren, Garrett, Howard and Samantha Carter; and many nieces and nephews.

A private gathering of close friends and relatives to celebrate the life of Ralph will occur at a later date. A boat parade in Ralph’s honor will be held Sunday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m.

Hall’s of Boothbay has care of the arrangements. To extend condolences, please visit hallfuneralhomes.com