Obituary of Edwin R. Starbird

EDWIN R. STARBIRD, 67 of Raymond, Maine and Wasilla, Alaska died on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. He was born in Skowhegan on March 10, 1947 to Robert and Bertha (Tilton) Starbird. He attended Farmington High School prior to joining the U.S. Army in 1964. He served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1986. Edwin also worked on the Exxon Valdez oil spill, as an Alaskan fishing guide, and provided security for Alaska native corporation on the Yukon River. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He also enjoyed traveling between Alaska, Maine, Florida and Arizona. Edwin was a member of the VFW. He received various medals including National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal with Palm, Master Parachute Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon-3, NCO Professional Development Ribbon Level 1, and the Army Commendation Medal 1st OLC. Edwin is survived by his daughter Kristi Leahy and husband Brian; son Arden Starbird and wife Kris, son Harold Starbird and wife Katrina, daughter Tish Wilson and fiancé Paul Spencer; step-daughter Julie Tinsman and husband Lonnie; step-daughter Erica Patriquin and husband John; his brothers, Robert, David and Richard Starbird; 24 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and his two aunts Hannah and Barbara. He was predeceased by his parents and his daughter Tamara Caron. A graveside memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. October 11 at Lakeview Cemetery in Wilton, Maine with a reception to follow at the VFW in Jay. Those who wish may make donations in Edwin’s memory to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.directcremationfomaine.com.