By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — A man prominent to the history and spirit of Caribou passed away this past weekend; Richard Matilla, 71, died on March 19 in Boston after a long illness.
Matilla, affectionately known to most by his nickname, Dick, is well-known throughout the Caribou area for his commitment to the community at large, both through the 10 years that he spent as Caribou City Manager during arguably some of the city’s toughest years and a lifetime spent promoting good-will and community service.
“In my experience, Dick was one of the most gentile, considerate, generous individuals that you can meet on the face of the Earth. He just had a real appreciation for the gifts that were so much a part of his life and a real love of people; he really sought to bring out the best in others and affirm what was there,” said Father Jean-Paul Labrie of the Holy Rosary Church in Caribou, where Matilla was a devoted 40-year member. “He loved the community, he loved the church and he was very devoted to God. His family was a priority at all times and he had a deep trust that God was providing and that people were going to do their very best. He saw all of life as a blessing and he wanted to be a blessing for others, whether by singing in the funeral choir of working with the finance and administration committee of the church.”
The extent of his commitment to community service was personified in 2004 when he received the Paul Harris Award through the Caribou Rotary Club, but Matilla’s generous nature wasn’t limited to just his service through the Rotary Club (though he is a past president of the Caribou organization); he was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a member on the hospital board and a president of the Jefferson Cary Foundation.
“One of his strongest legacies is what he gave back to the community,” said Caribou City Manager Steve Buck.
Matilla first found his way to The County through the Air Force, being stationed at the Loring Air Force Base for four years. His military service was followed by a 27-year banking career which began at the Northern National Bank, where he started as an assistant manager, and concluded when he retired as senior vice president of the Bank of Boston; his successful career in the banking world proved beneficial during his management of the country’s most northeastern city.
Only the third city manager since incorporation of the City Charter in 1967, Mattila was hired as the Caribou city manager in April of 1991 — the same year that the Loring Air Force Base was recommended for closure. The base, which first brought Matilla to the area, closed three years later in 1994.
Aroostook Republican file photo
1991: Caribou City Manager Richard C. Matilla is flanked by Caribou Mayor R. Leo Kieffer, left, and Interim City Manager David Ricker at the city council meeting at Caribou Monday night, April 22. The council ratified the appointment of Matilla, who was chosen from a field of 94 candidates during a two and one-half month search.
“His career as Caribou’s manager was defined by this tremendous change given the loss of Loring AFB,” said Buck. “Even given the dramatic times, Dick was known for his conservative management of the City. His prior career in banking served the city and its fiscal position well, in which he took great pride.”
Matilla worked tireless hours serving and balancing the needs of the city, the Council, the employees, and most importantly the residents of Caribou.
“He had a quiet demeanor, never sought conflict yet never wavered from his management philosophies or from the fiscally prudent position of the city and its residents he served,” described Buck. “He approached management in the same way he approached life; he gave it his all and he gave much more than he received. Dick was known for his active participation in the community, for his volunteerism, and for living the motto of the Rotary Club, ‘Service above Self’ — he led by example and inspired others to do the same.”
In August of 2001, Matilla was able to retire form his city position with reflections of the positive work he had performed during a time of much adaptation to change, according to Buck.
“He adapted to his role of retirement by immediately refocusing his desire to serve to his community through Rotary and his Church,” Buck said. “He did find some time on the golf course, but preferred dedicating the majority of his time to his family and others.”
While Matilla will undoubtedly be remembered throughout the community for his professionalism and his volunteerism, he’s also remembered for his gift of song which graced the ears of many Caribou residents not only during church events, but Rotary Club meetings as well.
“Dick was a long-standing member of our club; a past-president; and a Paul Harris Fellow,” said President of the Caribou Rotary Club Mark Draper. “He had a love of music and singing, and enthusiastically led our Club in many songs over the years. Dick held a strong sense of community and was dedicated to serving that community. He will be greatly missed.”
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lillian, two sons, Michael and James and one daughter, Kimberly
Many in the community echo Draper’s sentiments, as Matilla is a man not soon forgotten in a city so affected by his knowledgeable leadership and his tremendous commitment to positively impacting the community.
For information regarding services to honor Matilla, please turn to page 5.
