Obituary for Russell "Al" Allan Vorhis
Russell “Al” Vorhis, age 75, of Jefferson passed away on August 25, 2020 at the Alfond Center for Health in Augusta.
He was born on October 24, 1944 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Russell Vorhis and Ethel (Ling) Vorhis.
Al grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and attended area schools. He attended Jacksonville University and Rhode Island School of Electronics. He obtained his electrical engineering degree from Roger Williams University. After college he served in the National Guard in the 1960’s. He was a federal fire fighter in Jacksonville, FL.
Al was active in the Town of Jefferson. He was a member of the Jefferson Village School Committee and served as president. He loved sports; was a member of the Jefferson Sports Association, and worked to establish playing fields for local youth. He coached numerous baseball and basketball teams for area schools. He attended the North Nobleboro Baptist Church.
He was a sportsman and lifetime member of the NRA. As an avid fisherman, he could often be found on Damariscotta Lake or participating in the Lake Champlain (LCI) Fishing Derby. He loved hunting and enjoyed memorable moose hunts. He was a passionate and skilled poker player.
After retirement from Digital Equipment as an electrical engineer, Al taught at Lincoln Academy as an Ed Tech in the Special Education Department. It was a job that he loved. Al challenged his students and had a deep desire to see them succeed. He developed a connection and rapport with them and often used unconventional teaching methods such as teaching the game of poker to sharpen math skills!
Al was a big man with a big heart. He was especially drawn to the elderly and disabled offering friendship and companionship to those in need. Dealing with progressive and chronic illnesses himself, he remained strong and independent with a can-do spirit, never wanting to be a burden.
Al is predeceased by his parents Russell and Ethel Vorhis. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Roberta “Bert” Vorhis of Jefferson, son Jonathan Vorhis and wife Kassi of Warren, son Russell Vorhis of Jacksonville, FL, daughter Cheryle Cade of Jacksonville, FL, mother-in-law Phylis Savage of Chester, VT, sister Karen Green of Jacksonville, FL, grandchildren Emma Dyer of Jacksonville, FL, Kyli Jones of Warren, ME, Kaelyn Vorhis of Warren, ME, and Kali Vorhis of Warren, ME. He leaves behind is dog Tasha who brought him so much joy.
Visiting hours for family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Hall’s of Waldoboro, 949 Main Street, in Waldoboro.
Due to COVID restrictions, masks are required and social distancing is asked to be observed. Limited numbers are allowed in the building at a time, so please be prepared to wait outside until space opens up, and out of respect for everyone else who would like to attend, we ask that you please limit your time inside.
Donations may be made in Al’s name to the New England Lab Rescue, Inc., 58 Main Street, Limerick, ME 04048 or Freedom Hunters, Field to Field, Honoring Our Nation’s Finets https://freedomhunters.org/ (Powered by Donorbox).
Halls of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences visit www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
He was born on October 24, 1944 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Russell Vorhis and Ethel (Ling) Vorhis.
Al grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and attended area schools. He attended Jacksonville University and Rhode Island School of Electronics. He obtained his electrical engineering degree from Roger Williams University. After college he served in the National Guard in the 1960’s. He was a federal fire fighter in Jacksonville, FL.
Al was active in the Town of Jefferson. He was a member of the Jefferson Village School Committee and served as president. He loved sports; was a member of the Jefferson Sports Association, and worked to establish playing fields for local youth. He coached numerous baseball and basketball teams for area schools. He attended the North Nobleboro Baptist Church.
He was a sportsman and lifetime member of the NRA. As an avid fisherman, he could often be found on Damariscotta Lake or participating in the Lake Champlain (LCI) Fishing Derby. He loved hunting and enjoyed memorable moose hunts. He was a passionate and skilled poker player.
After retirement from Digital Equipment as an electrical engineer, Al taught at Lincoln Academy as an Ed Tech in the Special Education Department. It was a job that he loved. Al challenged his students and had a deep desire to see them succeed. He developed a connection and rapport with them and often used unconventional teaching methods such as teaching the game of poker to sharpen math skills!
Al was a big man with a big heart. He was especially drawn to the elderly and disabled offering friendship and companionship to those in need. Dealing with progressive and chronic illnesses himself, he remained strong and independent with a can-do spirit, never wanting to be a burden.
Al is predeceased by his parents Russell and Ethel Vorhis. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Roberta “Bert” Vorhis of Jefferson, son Jonathan Vorhis and wife Kassi of Warren, son Russell Vorhis of Jacksonville, FL, daughter Cheryle Cade of Jacksonville, FL, mother-in-law Phylis Savage of Chester, VT, sister Karen Green of Jacksonville, FL, grandchildren Emma Dyer of Jacksonville, FL, Kyli Jones of Warren, ME, Kaelyn Vorhis of Warren, ME, and Kali Vorhis of Warren, ME. He leaves behind is dog Tasha who brought him so much joy.
Visiting hours for family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Hall’s of Waldoboro, 949 Main Street, in Waldoboro.
Due to COVID restrictions, masks are required and social distancing is asked to be observed. Limited numbers are allowed in the building at a time, so please be prepared to wait outside until space opens up, and out of respect for everyone else who would like to attend, we ask that you please limit your time inside.
Donations may be made in Al’s name to the New England Lab Rescue, Inc., 58 Main Street, Limerick, ME 04048 or Freedom Hunters, Field to Field, Honoring Our Nation’s Finets https://freedomhunters.org/ (Powered by Donorbox).
Halls of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences visit www.hallfuneralhomes.com.