HARRISON — Claude Harrison Heath Jr., 85, passed away peacefully in his home on Jan. 30, 2012. He was born in West Stewartstown, N.H., the son of Claude and Arlene Dwinell Heath on Dec. 7, 1926. Claude grew up in Colebrook, N.H. and proudly served in the U. S. Army, stationed in the Philippines and Japan. On April 12, 1947 he married Linda Heino and for the next 64 years they resided in Harrison.

Claude held a variety of jobs including working at South Portland Shipyard, Wilner Wood Products, and Sebago Moc, and retired as a custodian from Lake Region High School. Claude was someone who loved life and people. He was known for his sense of humor, his quick wit, his sincere and caring manner, and his willingness to help others. He enjoyed being outside, riding on his tractor, working on wood, tinkering in his garage, and he had a knack for repairing virtually anything. It was always said, “If Claude couldn’t fix it, it couldn’t be done.” He was affectionately given the name of “Gumper.” Mostly, Claude loved family gatherings, especially Christmas. Their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a tremendous joy to his and Linda’s life.

Claude is survived by his wife; four daughters and their husbands, Peggy and Philip Douglass, Debra and Verdell Holden, Susan and Gerald Sanborn, and Lisa Heath; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Melissa Douglass, Rebecca Douglass, Carin and Gary Wilson, Tami Sanborn, Kimberly and Carlos Hernandez, Kate and Aaron Bell, Matthew Holden and Annie Holden; great-grandchildren, Derek, Amber and Andrew Douglass, Keiser Garcia, Keegan and Tucker Wilson, Sydney and Sophia Hernandez and Grace Bell; his brother, Guy Heath; his sisters, Claudia Dustin, Bertha Roberson and Claudette Weatherby; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother Sherwood Heath; and his sister, Barbara Johnson.

The family wishes to send special thanks to Dr. Roy, Kelly and the staff of Bridgton Internal Medicine, Home Health Visiting Nurses of Southern Maine, Hospice of Southern Maine and special neighbor, Trish for the wonderful care shown to Claude.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 5 at 1 p.m. at the Harrison Lutheran Cemetery. Claude served on the board of the Harrison Lutheran Cemetery for several years, where he spent many hours helping with the upkeep of the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the Harrison Lutheran Cemetery Association, 558 Norway Rd., Harrison, ME 04040. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com