KEITH REES TAPLEY
HARTLAND—Keith Rees Tapley, 78, died December 23, 2002 in Hartland after an extended illness. He was born December 23, 1924 in Blaine a son of Eugene and Amber (Rees) Tapley. Keith lived in Aroostook County until 1937 when his family moved to Hartland.He graduated from Hartland Academy, Class of 1942,where he excelled in sports. His cross country team won the Maine State Championship in 1938 and 1939 and placed third in the New England Regionals in 1940. Keith served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He received the Atlantic War Zone bar, Mediterranean- Middle East War Zone bar, and the Combat (with Stars) bar.

While in high school he met his future wife, Estelle Randlett. They were married August 7, 1944. Following the war, Keith was employed at Irving Tannery in Hartland for 3 years. He then, with his wife Estelle, owned and operated Hartland Grain and Grocery for 28 years. The Tapley’s raised a family, contributed to a wide variety of community activities and participated in town politics.

Keith was honored with the Hartland Citizen of the Year award in 1987. He was an active member of Grace Linn United Methodist Church and Methodist Men; serving in various leadership positions within the church. Keith served on the SAD #48 Board of Directors for six years, and as their chairman for the last three years of his tenure. He was president of the Parents of the Northeast Chapter Association of Maine Maritime Academy. He also was the president of the Hartland Academy Board of Trustees, a former board member of the First National Bank of Pittsfield and the Maine National Bank. He was an active member of the Masons, the Community Couples Club, the American Legion, an honorary member of the Hartland Fire Department, and a member of the Lions Club for which he served as Deputy District Governor of District 41-I from 1958 to 1959. Ken was a Charter member of the Hartland & St. Albans Lion’s Club and received a Distinguished Service Award for his 50+ years of service. In 1969, he served on the Committee for the National Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of America, which was held in Hartland.

Keith is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 58 years, Estelle Randlett Tapley of Hartland; three children, Peter Keith Tapley and his wife Corinne of Hampden, Shari Tapley Vigue of Old Orchard Beach, and Deborah Jayne Tapley of Lexington, SC; a brother Bert Tapley and his wife Kay; a sister, Maxine Badger and her husband Halver; 4 grandchildren and their spouses, Jonathan and Joy Tapley , Kimberly and Jamie Roach, Jeffrey and Carrie Tapley, Andrea and Kyle Scardino; 4 great-grandchildren, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Hannah, and Megan; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 2 P.M. Sunday, December 29th,at the Grace Linn United. Methodist Church, Hartland, with the Rev. Brenda Haskell officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Pine Grove Cemetery, Hartland. Friends may call on the family from 1 P.M. until the time of the funeral service. The family has requested that memorials be sent in honor of Keith’s life to Grace Linn United Methodist Church, or the Hartland & St. Alban’s Lions Club. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Newport.