Cover photo for Richard Stacey's Obituary
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Richard Stacey

December 25, 1936 — October 10, 2022

Bangor, ME and West Palm Beach, FL- Richard “Dick” Elmer Stacey, 85, died October 10 in Bangor. Born December 25, 1936, in Brewer, Dick was the youngest of four children born of William and Ethelyn (Carr) Stacey. He battled a short illness and passed surrounded by his loving wife, Sue and family.

A 1955 graduate of Bangor High School, Dick was a proud Bangor Ram. A most popular manager of the boys’ varsity basketball team, he was also a stellar first baseman for the baseball team. Dick revered Red Barry and was so proud to play for the Bangor legend. Many life-long friends were developed from his Bangor High sport days.

Amongst humble beginnings, Dick worked tirelessly at odd jobs before landing a position at Cole’s Express. He often talked about his time working for Galen Cole.

Dick’s first business venture was Stacey’s Fuel Mart in Brewer. Subsequently, he purchased Stacey’s Brewer Motel. In 1973, Dick bought a sponsorship for what would eventually become Stacey’s Country Jamboree. A viral country talent show that aired on Saturday evenings. Dick owned the Jamboree for ten years and a legend was born. As the Ballad of Dick Stacey, sung by Jerry Pierce, goes:

“There’s a legend in the north, about a man that hails from Maine, a country music trooper, from the Pine Tree State he came. Helping common people play their music is his game, everybody knows Dick Stacey is his name…”

Dick grew his Jamboree to appear on Good Morning America, and on several stages throughout Maine and the Maritimes of Canada. His popularity in Canada was extraordinary. He went viral before viral began. Dick’s verbiage, when handed a microphone, was legendary. In many ways, it defined him. From “See these hands? They pump gas, and by golly, they stink!” And his famous “No Charge!” was adorned by many commercials, as well as his license plate.

Dick received the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitor Bureaus Eagle Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2017. His impact on Canadian tourism positively enriched Maine businesses for many years. Dick was inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame in 2021. Dick’s innovative promoting skills gave countless local and national artists a stage to perform on and further their love of country music.

Dick was predeceased by a sister Virginia, brother William, brother Harry and grandson Jonathan.

Dick’s highest honor was the 50-year marriage to Sue (Grant) Stacey. Surviving him are six children. Scott, Portland, ME, Brett and wife Julie, Johns Island, SC, Beth-Marie, Portland, ME, Heidi, Kenduskeag, ME, Tina, Woolwich, ME and Richard Jr and wife Nancy, Hampden, ME. He leaves twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Dick was asked how he would like to be remembered. His response: “He made things happen!” Indeed, you did, now rest in peace.

“…he’s got the gift of gab, in a country sort of way. People love to listen to what Stacey has to say. The leader of the Jamboree, that’s his claim to fame. Everybody knows Dick Stacey is his name…and I’m happy to be a Dick Stacey fan, Dick Stacey the legend, Dick Stacey the man…”

A Memorial of Dick will be held at Jeff’s Catering, Brewer, Maine on October 30th from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Graveside service will be family private with assistance by Brookings-Smith, Bangor, Maine.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Stacey, please visit our flower store.

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Sunday, October 30, 2022

1:30 - 3:30 pm (Eastern time)

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