AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci joined the Maine Health Care Association (MHCA) recently to honor the accomplishments of 33 people living in the state’s long-term care facilities including Ralph Bearce, a resident of Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou. The Association presented Certificates of Lifetime Achievement to Bearce and others during a ceremony held in the Hall of Flags at the Statehouse. The ceremony was part of a photography exhibit, entitled “Remember ME” featuring black and white photographs and biographies of these citizens residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities statewide.
Residents are decorated war heroes, mothers, fathers and community leaders such as nurses, teachers, pilots and small business owners. Bearce was honored for service to his country as a cryptographer in World War II, longevity with the S.W. Collins Company and years of volunteering at Cary Medical Center.
The primary purpose of the Remember ME project is to salute the people who have spent the best years of their lives supporting their families, building their communities and serving their state and country. The project also urges the public to remember the selfless contributions of our elderly and disabled citizens who now depend on others for their care and safety.
According to MHCA Communications Director Nadine Grosso, “Just because these residents are less visible in the community doesn’t mean that we should forget their important contributions to our state and country. After giving to others all of their lives, they now depend on us for their daily medical and social care and we take that responsibility very seriously. This photographic tribute and recognition ceremony is our way of remembering them and saying thank you.”
The Maine Health Care Association is a nonprofit trade association, representing over 250 providers of long term care services to the state’s elderly and disabled citizens.
Ralph Bearce was born Sept. 3, 1922 in Ashland. The only child of Ralph and Lou Bearce, he attended Ashland High School until his junior year and at his father’s urging, Bearce attended Ricker Classical Institute in Houlton for his senior year.
Drafted into the Army Air Corps in January 1943, Bearce spent 26 months working as a cryptographer in Ireland, Iceland and England during World War II. During basic training he qualified as a marksman with pistol and carbine. Prior to being shipped overseas he attended cryptography training at the Trinity-Pawling School in New York, before being attached to the Eighth Air Force. He was awarded the following medals: American Theater Service Medal for service in the U.S. Armed Forces within the American Theater of Operations, European African Middle Eastern Theater Medal for service in the U.S. Armed Forces within the European Theater of Operations and the Good Conduct Medal for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity in active federal military service. Bearce left the military in October 1945.
In 1946, Bearce went to the Maine School of Commerce in Auburn where he received a diploma in accounting. He met his wife, Elizabeth, in 1948 on a blind date, set up by his cousin, while working for the G. Milton Oil Company. She was a school teacher, home on winter break at the time.
Ralph and Elizabeth married two years later in 1950 and were married for 56 years. They never had children of their own, but through their church, they were “adopted” by a young medic named Joan who was stationed at Loring Air Force Base. When Joan was discharged from the military, she went to nursing school and completed her degree with the Bearce’s help. Joan truly became the daughter they never had and she continues her relationship with Ralph today.
Bearce also worked as a bookkeeper at the S.W. Collins Co. in Caribou for 43 years. During his retirement, he volunteered at Cary Medical Center every Monday for 13 years, assisting patients and greeting people.
Ralph was very involved with the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church where he sang for 54 years and his wife was the choir director. He also served as financial secretary, treasurer and usher for 40 years. Ralph now resides at the Maine Veterans’ Home where he remains active, exercising each morning and walking daily. He enjoys activities and socializing with staff and residents.
