John Hibbard

South Portland – John Hibbard was born on February 17, 1947, in Bangor, Maine, the son of the late Harriet (Hibbard) and Ormond Dana Hibbard. He graduated from Thornton Heights High School, where he was a member of the swim team and developed a lifelong love of the water. A competitive swimmer, John narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympic trials by just two-tenths of a second while swimming with the YMCA—an achievement he remained proud of throughout his life.

After high school, John left Maine for California to pursue his passion for surfing, becoming known as the first surfer from Maine. He spent time in Huntington Beach before traveling north through California. John worked at a winery in Madera for over 30 years as a mechanic, a place that would prove especially meaningful as it was where he met his future wife, Glenda.
John and Glenda were married on July 3, 1974, in California. During his years there, John also cut wood on the side, and designed and built stone fireplaces. He cherished his time he spent with his three kids and coaching Little League.
In 1997, John retired and returned to Maine, settling in South Portland. He went on to work for Poland Spring before starting his own business, John’s Tractor Business. He stepped away from the business in 2006.

John found joy in the outdoors and especially loved fishing for bass and rainbow trout. He a devoted animal lover who cherished his dogs and cats. He was an avid Patriots fan, enjoyed playing poker, and had a particular fondness for apple pie and ice cream, as well as danishes.
John was predeceased by his beloved granddaughter, Kiley. He is survived by his wife, Glenda Hibbard; his children, Coleen Spraggins, Johnathan Hibbard and his fiancé Wendy, and Janene Dorr and her spouse Derek; and his eight grandchildren, Johnathan, Skyla, Connor, Mackenzie, Paige, Madelyn, Harley, and “Little John.”

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland.