Staff Writer

 Brett Staples needs no thanks for the time he spent taking care of a friend during his final days.

Being his friend was thanks enough.

Yet last week, Staples was honored by a Marine from California who wanted nothing more than to thank the man who cared for a “heroic” Korean War veteran from Kennebunk.

Bill Maker of Selinas, Calif., stopped by Arundel Ford last week to thank Staples, a service consultant from Wells, for his commitment to ensuring Doug Roberts of Kennebunk received the care he earned after serving his country in the Korean War.

Roberts, a Marine who earned two Purple Hearts, died in January. He was 78.

Roberts’ friendship with Staples developed when the veteran stopped by the dealership to have his car serviced.

“We just developed a bond,” Staples said. “As his health deteriorated, I knew he didn’t have any family around, so I’d go check on him to cheer him up. By the time I left he had me cheered up.”

Maker, a Marine who is originally from Massachusetts, first met Roberts when he stopped by a local antique store. When Roberts saw the Marine decal on Maker’s truck, he called out to him.

“He said ‘Semper Fi, Marine,’” Maker said. “We became instant friends. We talked on the phone every week.”

Roberts, a retired machinist who worked at Saco Defense and Pratt and Whitney, lived alone on Western Avenue in Kennebunk. When his health began to fail, Staples – who has never served in the armed services -– turned to veterans like Mike Holmes of Kennebunk for advice on how to get Roberts the treatment he needed.

In March 2010, Roberts had a stroke and Staples met with him and a social worker to make sure the veteran received care. Then, on Dec. 23, Staples went to check on Roberts and found him on the floor of his home. Roberts was brought first to the hospital and then to a veterans home after Staples became his power of attorney.

“I had no idea I’d be the one caring for him,” Staples said.

As his health declined, Maker talked to his fellow Marine about his final arrangements. When Roberts said he did not have a uniform jacket to be cremated in, Maker got him a battle jacket adorned with the ribbons he earned.

“He went out the right way,” Maker said.

Holmes said Roberts never lost his great sense of humor during his final days in the hospital. Though he could no longer see, Roberts was quick to react when Holmes told him a pretty nurse was standing next to him.

“He turned toward her and said ‘will you marry me?’” Holmes said. “That was the real Doug.”

During a short surprise ceremony last week at Arundel Ford, Maker presented Staples an award that reads “In appreciation of your dedication, loyalty and service to our departed brother.” Maker said he wanted to personally thank Staples for taking care of a Marine they way his Marine brothers would.

“Thank God he met Brett,” he said. “I think it’s unbelievable what he did for Doug.”

But in Staples’ mind, he’s the one who should be thankful. He said he was lucky to have Roberts as a friend.

“He was very genuine, a very caring person. He was a giving person and asked nothing of anybody,” Staples said.

Maker said he will remember his friend as a man who overcame tragedy in his life but never felt sorry for himself.

“He loved his country, he loved his Corps and he loved his friends,” he said.

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.