Arnold Avery

SCARBOROUGH — Arnold B. Avery, 83, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018.

He was born April 20, 1934, in Nashua, N.H. He was the very proud son of farmers and millworkers, Lena Helen (Sanborn) and Frederick Carlton Avery.

Arnold graduated from Enfield High School, Class of 1952, and studied business at Northeast Tech in Boston, Mass.

Arnold was especially proud to have been a Boy Scout in his youth, then in the National Guard and finally in the United States Air Force, following in his brother’s footsteps. He was a Past Master of Standish Masonic Lodge #70 A.F. & A.M., and a member of Presumpscot Lodge No. 70, as well as a member of the Kora Shriners.

Arnold married the love of his life, Patricia Lorraine Pringle, on Dec. 13 1958; they just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

Arnold was a shop steward at Local Pipefitters’ Union #537, before becoming a partner in Maine Air Conditioning, moving his family to Maine in 1975 and then in 1980 leaving that partnership and starting Avery Services, Inc. providing more than 30 years of quality service and HVAC products to southern Maine and New Hampshire as the only factory-authorized Carrier dealer. He also started A Avery Fuel Oils, Inc. As a well-respected business owner and professional in his field, he mentored many who continue to service the area today, as well as consult for other companies.

When not working, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, including a Field & Stream first place award for his 10-pound 2-ounce brook trout caught on a fly hand tied by his father-in-law. His daughter, Deborah, got the junior award the same year, 1975.

He developed a great love for golf, and it was something that he shared a passion for with his wife. Together through business incentives trips, they were able to play courses all over the world. One memorable trip was his hole in one at Palm Springs. He was grateful to be able to take his mother with them on a trip to Spain and Africa. He loved CB-ing, known as Chiller to his wife’s handle, Pearl; call sign KMK-4110; and a very active member of the Standish Sno-Blazers in his first decade in Maine.
He had a gift for making people laugh.

One of his proudest bragging rights was that all his children and grandchildren attended and were members of North Windham Union Church, and his church family was as close as any blood relative. He loved New England sports, from Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, to being a season ticket holder of the former Maine Mariners.

Arnold was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Lena; his older brother, William; and his son, Bruce.

He is survived by his bride of 59 years, Patricia L. (Pringle) Avery of Casco; his son, Douglas C. Avery of Windham; daughters, Deborah M. Josephson of Hollis and Kathleen I. Varney of Windham; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; as well as so many nieces, nephews and cousins who were much loved.

Visitation hours were at Dolby, Blais & Segee at 434 River Road, Windham, on Monday, Feb. 5, with a Masonic service. The funeral service was Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Deb Girard officiating at North Windham Union Church, UCC, 723 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, with a reception following in the Parish Hall.

To express condolences or to participate in Arnold’s online tribute, please visit: www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com