Carl Richard “Rick” Malm passed away on October 30, 2025, in Portland, Maine, surrounded by his family. Rick missed his 80th birthday by just a few days after battling brain cancer for just over a year.
Rick was the youngest son of Carl and Marjorie Malm. He grew up in Rochester, New York, alongside his two older brothers, C. Michael and C. Eric. He graduated from Brighton High School and earned his degree from the Syracuse University School of Architecture. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Peace Corps and served in Tunisia for two years. It was there that he met Barbara, his future wife and life partner of 53 years.The two great loves of Rick’s life were his family and his work. He and Barbara were true partners in every sense — best friends who loved doing everything together: hiking, swimming, picnicking, and traveling. Rick was immensely proud of his children, Haley and Larry, and treasured every adventure the family shared.
In 1973 Rick and Barbara moved to Helsinki to get to know his Finnish family. After returning to the States, they moved to Maine in 1975 “for a year” until the recession ended. They never left.
Rick began working with Nick Holt at Krumbhaar and Holt in Ellsworth in 1975. In 1983 Rick co-founded Lewis and Malm Architecture with Don Lewis. For 32 years, they designed public buildings across Maine, creating warm, welcoming spaces for students, residents, and communities. Among Rick’s favorite projects were the addition to the Blue Hill Consolidated School, where his children attended and his wife taught, and the renovation of Ellsworth City Hall. During his tenure as president of the Maine American Institute of Architects, he worked to make architecture more accessible and engaging for children.
Rick’s boundless energy and enthusiasm shaped every part of his life. He found joy in every beautiful view, and in particular the views from their home and camp, both of which he lovingly renovated. He skied, sailed, swam, and was an avid yoga practitioner, and delighted in teaching his children and grandchildren to do the same. He also loved cooking and tending to his houseplants so that there was always something blooming in the living room. After retiring, woodworking became his passion. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and loved ones.
As well as his wife, children, and brothers, Rick is survived by his daughter-in-law, his son-in-law, his three beloved grandchildren, his nieces and their families, his cousins, and his brother-in-law and family. His friendship with Tony Ricci spanned nearly 60 years.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Blue Hill on Saturday, November 15, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow in the Jonathan Fisher Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blue Hill Heritage Trust bluehillheritagetrust.org or World Central Kitchen wck.org
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Have enjoyed working with Rick for a number of years on some nice projects. Rest in Peace, Rick.
Condolences to Barbara and friends/family.
Ron Fortier
Ellsworth, Maine