WARREN "PETE" MYRICK
GUILFORD – Warren L. ‘Pete’ Myrick, 58, passed away Sunday, October 27, 2002, at Washington Hospital Center, in Washington, DC, following complications from a spinal cord injury he suffered on August 26, 2002. He was born June 11, 1944, in Hartland, the son of Lloyd W. and Ruth (Bagley) Myrick. Raised in Troy and Unity Plantation, he graduated from Unity Freedom High School in 1962 and received a bachelors, masters and certificate of advanced study in education from the University of Maine. A natural teacher and motivator, he began a long tenure with School Administrative District #4 and Piscataquis Community High School, as a teacher of history and government and athletic coach in 1966. In the 1980’s, he added part-time Director of Adult and Community Education to his duties.

In 1990, the program grew to be his full-time occupation. Through the addition of ITV college courses, partnerships with local industries and efforts to inspire lifelong learning, he built the program into one of the most highly enrolled, successful adult education programs in Maine. A civic-minded volunteer and community leader, he served as trustee to Guilford Memorial Library, founding member of the Guilford Historical Society, member of the Town of Guilford Planning Board, former chair of the Piscataquis County Democrats, member of the Mount Kineo Masonic Lodge and former president of the Guilford Kiwanis Club.

In recent years, he was actively involved in the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, helping to found the organization and serving terms on its executive board and as its president. Whether young students, displaced workers, adults seeking high school diplomas and college degrees or entire communities, his professional and volunteer positions concentrated on helping others to see and achieve their potential. In recent months, following his injury and paralysis, he continued to teach and inspire with his positive attitude and determination to regain his strength and mobility. He felt truly blessed to have been given these last two months with family and friends.

Over the years, Pete spent free time improving his golf game, paddling his canoe and kayak and passionately following University of Maine and New England sports and college basketball. His most treasured time, however, was spent as a husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carole (Richardson) Myrick, of Guilford; his children: Jeffrey Myrick and his wife Beth, of Standish; Gary Myrick and his wife Lauren, of Arlington, VA; Elizabeth Myrick and her husband, Prasad Sharma, of Alexandria, VA; and his three grandchildren: William, James and Henry. He is survived also by siblings who helped raise him: Loran and Marjorie (Myrick) Tinker, of Leominster, MA; Clayton and Barbara (Myrick) Blood, of Searsport; Paul Myrick, of Hudson, NH; and Philip Myrick, of Unity Plantation; as well as lifelong friends, Andrew and Sharron Picard, of Clinton.

A funeral service is planned for 1 PM Saturday, November 2, 2002, at the Guilford United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Margaret “Dodie” Stowe officiating. A private service for family will be held at the Rogers Cemetery in Troy, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Warren L. Myrick Aspirations Fund, care of The Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main Street, Ellsworth, Maine 04605. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, Guilford.