Remembering Wayne Moore Rivers, Devoted Family Man and Community Volunteer

The 77-year-old retired paper mill accountant and National Guard veteran is remembered for his love of family, travel, and woodworking.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:48pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph depicting a family gathered around a table, their faces and forms blurred into soft, colorful shapes and pools of light, conveying a sense of warmth, intimacy, and shared experience.A family celebration captures the enduring bonds that transcend time and circumstance.Bradley Today

Wayne Moore Rivers, a 77-year-old retired paper mill accountant and National Guard veteran, passed away peacefully at his home in St. Petersburg, Florida on March 14, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Cathy, his three children from a previous marriage, two stepsons, a sister, and eight grandchildren. Rivers was known for his zest for life, love of family, and volunteer work with the American Red Cross and Maine Forest Logging Museum.

Why it matters

Rivers' life story reflects the changing nature of modern families, with blended families becoming more common. His dedication to community service and passion for hands-on hobbies like woodworking also highlight the importance of work-life balance and giving back, even in retirement.

The details

After graduating from the University of Maine in 1971 with an accounting degree, Rivers spent 24 years working in the paper mill industry, retiring from Sappi Fine Paper. He also served two years of active duty in the U.S. Army and 26 years with the Army National Guard. In his personal life, Rivers was an avid pilot, sailor, and woodworker, creating projects that showcased his creativity and craftsmanship. He and his wife Cathy also shared a love of travel, living in the UK and taking an African safari, among other adventures.

  • Wayne Moore Rivers was born on November 13, 1948 in Hartland, Maine.
  • He graduated from Orono High School in 1967.
  • Rivers earned his accounting degree from the University of Maine in 1971.
  • He served two years of active duty in the U.S. Army, followed by 26 years with the Army National Guard.
  • Rivers passed away peacefully at his home in St. Petersburg, Florida on March 14, 2026.

The players

Wayne Moore Rivers

A 77-year-old retired paper mill accountant and National Guard veteran who passed away in 2026.

Cathy Rivers

Wayne's loving wife of 25 years.

Benjamin Rivers, Nicholas Rivers, Abigail Bailey

Wayne's three children from a previous marriage.

Andrew Gitchel, John Gitchel

Wayne's two stepsons.

Patricia Snyder

Wayne's beloved sister.

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What’s next

An interment service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 18 at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, ME. A celebration of life will follow at the Elks Club, 397 Civic Center Drive, Augusta, ME.

The takeaway

Wayne Rivers' life story highlights the importance of work-life balance, community service, and cherishing family in retirement. His legacy will live on through the loved ones he leaves behind and the projects he created that showcased his creativity and craftsmanship.