Eric Brazier

ACTON- Eric William "Rick" Brazier was set free from his earthly body and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 16th in Cumberland, Maine.Rick was born in Sanford, Maine on August 18, 1966, son of Judith and William Brazier, Jr. of Acton, and lived and grew up in Acton. Rick loved his home in Acton, where he spent much time hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and riding his dirt bikes with his dad and brother. As a young man Rick was always known for his quiet and caring personality, his love of life and people, and as a person who was loved and respected by people of all ages. He was a wonderful big brother to his siblings, and a son who never failed to fill his parents' hearts with pride.His education began at the Acton Elementary School, after which he completed his secondary education at Berwick Academy and Sanford High School, graduating from Sanford High School with the class of 1984. He was a catcher on the baseball teams at both Berwick Academy and Sanford High School, and was also well known for his musical talents through his leading roles in high school musical productions. His musical talent also earned him a place in the Maine All-State Chorus in 1983. At the time of his graduation, he had been accepted into the Industrial Technology Program at the University of Southern Maine.In addition to his school activities, Rick was involved in the 4-H club for 12 years, producing many projects that earned awards. He was a member of the Pleasant Street Free Baptist Church, where he served as an usher and member of the choir, and where he was known for his solid, quiet faith. He also enjoyed time spent with family and friends each summer at the family cottage at Empire Grove Methodist Camp in East Poland, Maine. At the age of 17, Rick suffered a traumatic brain injury, which left him with multiple disabilities and changed his life forever. In the years following his accident Rick was an unbelievable source of inspiration to all that knew him. His courage and perseverance were a constant reminder of who he was as a person, and of his ability to love others and make the very best of each day. After his injury, he was cared for at home for some time by his loving family. For the past 17 years he was a resident of the RiverRidge Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center in Kennebunk, where he won the love of staff and friends. His sweet spirit, sense of humor, and personal demeanor continued to remind those who knew him that there are things that no injury could take away from him. While residing at RiverRidge his family continued to be an integral part of his life, taking him home weekends and for all holiday and family events. He continued to be a most cherished son, brother, and uncle who loved being with and took great pleasure in playing jokes on his brother and sisters, and especially enjoyed snuggling with and being pampered by his nephews and niece.Rick is survived by his dad, William R. Brazier, Jr. and his wife, Roberta of Cumberland, Maine; his mom, Judith K. Shain and her husband, Rodney, Sr. of Acton and Sanford; a sister, Diane L. Hastings and her husband, Thomas of Worcester, MA; a brother, Andrew R. Brazier and his wife, Kellie of Acton; a sister, Melissa A. Flayhan and her husband Anthony of Sanford; his paternal grandparents, Bertina A. Kearns of Portland and William Brazier, Sr. of Brunswick; his maternal grandparents, Lorene A. Hurst of Wilmington, N.C.; nephew, Zachary Hastings and niece, Ashley Hastings, both of Worcester, MA; nephew, Eric Brazier (his namesake) of Acton; several aunts, uncles, and cousins, including one special aunt, with whom he had a close relationship throughout his life, Lorraine Yeaton of Acton; and a cousin with whom he spent much of his childhood, David A. Cote of Acton. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Mary Dennett of Acton and Hartley Hurst of Wilmington, N.C.Rick's family wishes to express heartfelt and sincere thanks to the administration, staff, and especially to the CNAs at RiverRidge for their professional, yet tender, loving care given over the years. Your kindness, love, and personal attention will never be forgotten.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eric Brazier Memorial Fund, RiverRidge Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, 79 Cat Mousam Road, Kennebunk, Maine 04043. This fund is being established for the purpose of providing activities for the residents and for providing for the personal needs of residents with limited resources. Visiting hours for Rick will be held Wednesday, June 20th from 4 to 7 PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 21st, at 11 AM at the Pleasant Street Free Baptist Church, Pleasant Street, Springvale. Interment will be private at Maple Grove Cemetery in Acton.To leave a message of condolence for the family, please use the Condolences tab at left.Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home of Springvale are handling arrangements.