Philip Buck

Philip S. Buck, 69, of Carmel, Maine, passed away on the morning of July 21, 2025, with his wife, Laverne Hatch Buck, by his side, where she has remained for 38 years. He was born in Presque Isle, Maine, the only son of Maxwell and Edwina Buck. Phil grew up on the family potato farm in Chapman, Maine. It is on the farm he developed his strong work ethic. He worked hard helping his family, picking rocks, haying, and harvesting potatoes. In his youth, Phil enjoyed time with his friends, many stories we only learned of later in his life. He and a buddy hopped on a train at the age of 9, to go to a special fishing spot. When they arrived at their desired spot, the train was going at a speed unsafe to hop off. This forced the boys to continue on their journey, until the train came to a spot, many miles away, where they could disembark, following the tracks, walking back home. During high school, he, and his buddies, went to Dean's Motor Lodge, quite a distance from home, had a fun time at the bar, went home, and got up and went to school the next day. During all of these adventures, his mom worked on an afghan, unable to sleep. The afghan reflected her version of these evenings. The nights she was particularly worried, the stitches were less than stellar.

Despite all of his antics, he graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1974, with more wisdom than most people. Following graduation, he joined the Air Force, stationed in Michigan, making life long friends.

Upon returning to Maine, he, Laverne, and his dad, Max, owned the Village Market in Carmel, which they ran for 30 years. He loved his community and the friends he made. He had a great sense of humor, often telling stories of events from the store. One afternoon, his mom was on her way to work and took a check down to the store to get some cash for her dinner that night. Phil was at the register, and in true Philip fashion took the check, waved it around the store as he called, "Dad, is this check okay to cash?" She was not amused, but her love for him, all of her children, never wavered. After selling the store, he continued his retail journey, Philip delivered Dunster Donuts. As he had throughout his life, he met many people he enjoyed, continuing to share in their stories

His happy place was their camp in the Aroostook River, where he and Laverne loved fishing and hunting and sharing their special spot with others.

Philip was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Laverne Buck of Carmel; her children, Brady Hatch; and his children, whom he loved dearly; Mason, Hadley, and Violet, of Crystal; and Eric Hatch of Searsport; Sisters, Susan McGown and John O'Donnell of Orrington; Carol Buck-Rolland and Robert Rolland of Waitsfield, Vermont; nieces and nephews, Andrea Rajsich and Lee Rajsich, Thomas McGown, Bennett Rolland and Erin Wang, Kathryn Speed and Daniel Speed, great nieces and nephew, Ellie Speed, Grace Speed, and Max Rajsich. He had many friends who have provided much kindness during the last years. Despite all of his challenges, he remained a thoughtful person, checking with others, ensuring all was going well with then. He as continued to care for his people, making sure they had what they needed. He remained curious, just like his grandfather and his father, until the day we lost him.

And so, for now, we say goodbye. We know you surely are telling stories with those you love, always a great story teller. Do a little thumb dancing' to Bob Segar with Mom, a little fishing with Dad. We will miss you forever, and love you longer.

Phil had requested no services at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. We have all learned lessons from Phil. As you think of him, moving forward, please take a moment each day to carry on his joy of life, and his love for others.