Harry Rideout

The Early Years

Harry Rideout was born on March 3, 1942, in Washburn, Maine. Even as a young boy, Harry was drawn to the company of World War II veterans at the local pool hall. By age 8, he was so skilled at pool that one veteran built him a special box to stand on! Harry played pool six days a week, and on Sundays, he’d head into the woods to shoot dice, earning some extra pocket money. The veterans affectionately called him “that kid brought up in the pool hall.” When the pool hall eventually closed, the owners saved his favorite table just for him. Starting in eighth grade, Harry worked for a local farmer—milking cows, planting potatoes, and tackling any job that needed doing. This early work ethic would serve him well throughout his life.

The happiest day of Harry’s life was marrying Sharon Sponberg, whom he met as a teenager at the local swimming pool. It was love at first sight, and Harry credits Sharon with keeping him “on the straight and narrow.” Together, they raised three daughters. He now has nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The saddest day of Harry’s life was when Sharon passed away on March 9, 2021.

Military Service

After graduating from high school in 1960, Harry was drafted into the Army. He completed basic training at Fort Dix and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, where he worked in administration and played basketball. A highlight of his service was being selected as an honor guard for President Kennedy’s inauguration. After two years of active duty, Harry returned to Maine and served four more years in the Army Reserves.

Civilian Life and Entrepreneurship

Harry’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on—he set himself the ambitious goal of being $1 million in debt before turning 25, as a way to motivate his business ventures! He worked tirelessly in a small store and a shoe factory before purchasing his first grocery store. He later expanded, buying a larger grocery store, then opened “Harry’s Grocery and Rideout’s Market.” His business ventures grew to include Roy’s Army-Navy Store, the WAGM-WKZX radio station in Presque Isle, and Timber Cross Trusses in New Brunswick, Canada.

Harry also ventured into the nuclear energy business, water filter manufacturing, security systems, and wood pellet production. His wood pellet company thrived until changes in sawdust pricing led him to sell the business. Eventually, he moved to Bangor to manage his companies.

Public Service

Alongside his business success, Harry was committed to public service. He served as a Maine State Representative for Presque Isle and Mapleton from 1974 to 1978 and as Aroostook County Treasurer from 1974 to 1982. Later, he sold his companies and shifted his focus to charitable work, including serving on the board of Honor Flight, the Salvation Army, and supporting the Maine Right to Life organization.

In 2005, Harry and Sharon received the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award for their work with the Maine Troop Greeters and their dedicated service to veterans. They were honored in Washington, D.C., meeting many distinguished military and civilian leaders

Becoming a troop greeter

Harry began greeting troops in the 1990s during Desert Storm. In 2002, he helped revive the troop greeter movement in Bangor. He organized large groups to stand at the corners of Hogan Road with signs supporting the troops, sometimes gathering a hundred people on each corner.

In 2003, Harry approached the Bangor Mayor to request use of an unused airport room for troop greeters. The mayor agreed, and Harry received a key, beginning the Troop Greeter presence at the Bangor airport and his long commitment to welcoming troops at all hours.

In the early days, Harry and Sharon would bring Gifford’s ice cream for the troops. Harry also started the program with US Cellular to provide free phones for soldiers to call home, managing the program until his friend Marion (Rud) Rudnicki took over.

Stories

A Special Coin: Harry once met a young soldier who entrusted him with a coin from a dying friend, asking Harry to keep it safe. Later, while in Washington, D.C., for an Honor Flight, Harry reunited with that soldier and was able to show him the coin he had kept with him ever since.

A Celtics Game for Military Kids: When Harry learned that a soldier’s son loved basketball, he and his friend Skip arranged for the boy and other children of deployed troops to attend a Celtics game in Boston, where they were treated like VIPs.

Community Support: Harry was instrumental in organizing groups—like the UMaine Ice Hockey and Basketball teams, Husson University teams, and others—to come out and greet the troops.

Harry Rideout’s life is a testament to hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep commitment to serving others, especially those who serve our country.