Obituaries from the week of 10/15/09

He was born April 16, 1921, in Embden, the son of Lewis and Flora Henderson. Jim was educated in Norridgewock schools and entered the United States Army upon graduation. He was honorably discharged in 1945. While he was in the service, he met the love of his life, Katy Spinney. Jim was extremely dedicated to his wife of 60 years. They enjoyed traveling and working on projects together. His favorite pastimes were woodworking and spending time with his family. He was a kind and generous husband, father and grandfather. He was a friend to many. He was employed by Bliss Portland and MacDonald Lumber. He was later employed by Parker Hannifin until his retirement.

Besides his parents, Jim is predeceased by his wife Katy Henderson.

He is survived by his son, John Henderson of Urbana, Ill.; his two daughters, Beverly Sylvester of South Casco and Trudy Jordan of South Portland; his five grandchildren; his two great-grandchildren; and his sister Marion Condon, of Springhill, Fla.

A memorial service will be held Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Casco Village Church (Route 121, Casco). A gathering will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations or contributions may be made to: Westbrook Animal Refugee League of Greater Portland, 449 Stroudwater St., Westbrook, ME 04092.

Mr. Spiers was born Nov. 1, 1935, in Winthrop, the son of the late Henry T. and Mary Baird Spiers. He moved to Westbrook as a child and attended Westbrook schools. Following various automotive related jobs in the Greater Portland area, he became a certified industrial welder and was employed for many years at Bancroft Martin Steel Co. in South Portland. He married Donna Hyman Barker on June 28, 1969, in Westbrook, and they resided together on Wilson Road in Gorham for more than 30 years until Mrs. Spiers’ death on Nov. 24, 2000. Harvey moved to Larrabee Village Senior Housing in Westbrook in January of this year. Harvey was a dedicated volunteer Fire Police Officer with the Gorham Fire Department, and was recently presented with an award for 35 years of service. In 1998, he was named Fire Police Officer of the Year. He also volunteered with the Standish Fire Police and for many years helped the Fryeburg Police Department with traffic control during the annual Fryeburg Fair. His volunteer work and friendships made through these organizations was a very important part of Harvey’s life.

He is survived by his brother, Maj. Allen N. Spiers, USAF (Ret.) of Paso Robles, Calif.; his sister, Joyce McKee of The Villages, Fla.; two sons, Dale Spiers of Naples and Rex Spiers of Gorham; two stepdaughters, Laury Dandeneau of Standish and Lee Hyman of Baldwin; as well as seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two nieces and one nephew.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham. Burial will follow in Sapling Hill Cemetery, Gorham. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harvey’s memory may be made to: The Gorham Volunteer Fire Police, Attention: Chief Robert Lefebvre, 270 Main St., Gorham, ME 04038.

He was born in Auburn, April 21, 1920, to Edward E. and Georgia S. Trask. He was a 1937 graduate of Edward Little High School and served his country in the U.S. Air Force, where he taught radio and electronics. Zeke was a car salesman for more than 25 years and was a well-known real estate broker in the Oxford Hills area. He loved music and played the piano as a member of the Parisians Orchestra at area dances for more than three decades. An involved citizen, he served as a selectman, was a member of Oxford Lodge 16 AF and AM in Norway, the Norway Paris Kiwanis and the American Legion. He was recently honored as a member of the Maine Vintage Race Car Association and authored a book on the history of Oxford Plains Speedway, where he announced races. Later in life, he worked diligently as a salesman for Seniors Plus. He was devoted Christian and a member of Christ Episcopal Church of Norway. He loved to play golf, cross-country ski and was an avid reader.

He married Martha Perry, who passed away in 1977; and later married Carolyn Brown, who died in 2008.

He is survived by two sons, David L. Trask of Bridgton and Barrett K. Trask of Manchester, N.H.; stepsons, Harold Brown III of Lithonia, Ga., William Brown of Oxford and Craig Brown of South Paris; four step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a son, Dana E. Trask.

Visitation was held on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Route 26, Oxford. Public Masonic services were held by Oxford Lodge 16 AF and AM. A celebration of Zeke’s life was held on Sunday, Oct. 11, at Christ Episcopal Church in Norway, with the Rev. Anne Stanley officiating. Interment followed at the Old Riverside Cemetery in South Paris. In lieu of flowers, donations in Zeke’s memory may be sent to Christ Episcopal Church, 35 Paris St., Norway 04268. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com

She was born on May 15, 1929, in Gorham, to Ray Grant and Eugenia Tozier Grant. Constance attended Portland High School. She was a homemaker with eight children and enjoyed crafts and loved to knit and cook. She was a Den leader for the Cub Scouts, a member of the Moose Club, Rainbow girl at the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Rebekah Lodge. She was involved with the Stroke Club. She loved to go on cruises and going to Vegas and playing the slot machines. She loved her family. Constance was the last surviving sibling of 10 boys and girls.

She is survived by her husband, Carlton, of 47 years; seven sons, Richard Martin of Naples, Albert Martin of Red Oak, Texas, Robert Martin of Fort Myers, Fla., Lester Martin of Port Charlotte, Fla., Dennis Martin of Parkland, Fla., Kevin Martin of Wells, and Glenn Martin of Raymond; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Constance was preceded in death by her daughter Eva Martin.

Visiting hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, at the chapel. Burial to follow at North Street Cemetery, Gorham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to: The Eva Louise Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of Thornton Academy, Box 438, Main Street, Saco, ME 04072.

He was born in South Paris on Sept. 3, 1918, the son of Ellsworth and Annie B. Witham and attended school in South Paris. He faithfully served his country in the Army during World War II. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for R.K. Brown, Cianbro and retired from Pike Industries. Duffy was a member of the Mundt-Allen American Legion in Bethel. He enjoyed being busy. It did not matter if it was splitting wood, mowing his lawn or cleaning the ice out of the driveway.

On Nov. 28, 1936, he married Maisie Millett and they celebrated 71 years together until her death on Sept. 19, 2008.

Survivors include his sons, George of South Paris, Alfred of Waterford and William (Bill) of Waterford; eight grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, James “Rammie”; brothers, Chester, Ralph and Ellsworth; and sisters, Anna, Bertha and Jennie.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Elm Vale Cemetery, South Waterford. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in his memory to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., P.O. Box 819, Lewiston, ME 04240. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.westonchandler.com

She was born in Pontiac, Mich. on May 2, 1933, the daughter of the late Logan and Mary (Ellis) Smith,  Barbara was a homemaker most of her life.

She is survived by four sons, Michael Cowsert of Bridgton, John Cowsert of Louisville, Ill., Richard Cowsert of Terre Haute, Ind., and Floyd Cowsert Jr. of Cisne, Ill.; two brothers, Billy Smith and Daryl Smith; a sister, Wilma Schulz of Remington, Ind.; and three grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Floyd V. Cowsert Sr. and a brother, Tommy Smith.

Family services will be held in Illinois at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com.

Arrangements by Raymond-Wentworth Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton.

He was born in Biddeford on Oct. 4, 1941, the son of Joseph A. and Gloria C. (Emery) Girard. He attended schools in Old Orchard Beach and lived there for 41 years before moving to Sebago. He married Evelyn Diane Shorey on June 4, 1958 and proudly celebrated 51 years of marriage this year. He was a self-employed contractor for 50 years before retiring due to illness. He and his wife ran an antique shop in East Sebago for 11 years and did shows in Maine and Arizona. He enjoyed wintering in Arizona and touring the southwest with his wife. He was an avid hunter and fisherman being a member of the Camp Ellis Rod and Gun Club for 40 years. His greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed hunting with his sons, grandsons, and granddaughter. Every year, he spent Thanksgiving at his daughter’s home in Industry with his whole family. He was a devoted grandfather and attended many sporting events and dance recitals over the years. He recently attended his granddaughter Sheena’s college graduation and his granddaughter Miranda’s wedding. He will be greatly missed.

Richard is lovingly survived by his wife of 51 years; his mother; his loving daughter Karen Luker; sons Richard F. Girard Jr. of Old Orchard Beach, Kevin Girard Sr., also of Old Orchard Beach, Lonney Girard and Kerry Girard of Bridgton; his brother, David Girard of Saco; his sisters, Dawn Fairfield of Old Orchard Beach and Cindy Stone of Saco; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his father; infant son and infant daughter; and grandson.

Richard’s life and birthday was celebrated at his home Sunday, Oct. 4, with his family around him. There will not be any services at this time. Donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Franklin County Children’s Task Force, 113 Church Street, Farmington, ME 04938. Arrangements by Funeral Alternatives Group, Lewiston.

Prudence wanted to be remembered as a woman who counted her blessings. She was born on April 22, 1922, in Winthrop, Mass., to Warren and Mary Kelsey. She met her life-long sweetheart, Franklin Hazen, in 1944, while he was stationed with the Merchant Marines in Boston. They moved to the West together and raised four children, Susan, Steven, Mary and Michael. Throughout their 65 years of marriage, they continued a warm and affectionate relationship. She began her education at Boston University and worked there after receiving her A.A. degree. Later, she received her bachelor’s degree from Washington State University. During the 1960s, she enrolled in a program at Deaconess Hospital in Wenatchee, Wash., and obtained her Registered Nursing certification. She served in many capacities as a nurse throughout her career. Her final nursing position was with Whitman County as a Public Health Nurse. In this capacity, she visited all of the public elementary schools in the county each month. When she and her husband purchased a small airplane, she got her private pilot license and became skilled in flying. Prudence loved to sing praises to the Lord in her lovely alto voice. She loved to harmonize with others and often sang as she worked around the house. She belonged to PEO, and recently was awarded her 65-year pin. Through her work with PEO, she helped to sponsor young women in college who might otherwise not have been able to attend. Her favorite place to be was at the camp in Maine, which her grandfather had built in 1901. Many special times were spent there with family every summer. Her family will miss her greatly.

A celebration of her life was held at the Casco Alliance Church, 450 Roosevelt Trail, on Saturday, Oct. 10. A graveside service followed at Murch Cemetery in South Casco.

He is survived by the love of his life of 30 years, Linda A. (Lewis) Lawler; his parents Patrick and Joan (Brown) Lawler Sr. of Raymond; his son, Patrick W. Lawler XlV (PJ) and his wife, Sabrina of Waterford; his daughter, Jessica A. (Peapod) and husband , Dustin McAllister also of Waterford; his son Johnathan D. Lawler (monkey man) and his partner Kelly Groves of Oxford; his grandchildren, Dennis McAllister, Marian and Patrick XV Lawler, also of Waterford; and Taylor R. Lawler of Oxford; his brother Dan and wife Susan Lawler of Raymond; his dear nephews, Thomas and wife Alyssa Lawler, David Lawler and fiancée Heidi Wargo; a special brother-in-law, Bill Lewis and family of Portland, and many other special family members; his two small faithful friends, Simba and Bo, who will miss him dearly; the cats… not so much.

Patrick graduated from Lake Region High School. He was a machinist at Maine Machine Products for 20 years during which time he met many true friends. He was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting with his dad, brother, sons, and Cousin Wayne. His trips up north were always memorable with his best buds from Raymond. His favorite thing to do was to hang out at his shed, cutting wood, building large bonfires and listening to his stereo rocking the neighborhood. Pat loved life he was always thinking of others first. His biggest dream was to build a family camp, which he accomplished, building it himself with much help from friends and family.

There will be a celebration of Pat’s life at the “shed” Saturday, October 17th at 3:00 p.m. Patrick also requested that memorial donations be made to: Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, c/o MMC Development Dept., 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102.

“Dad, we have brushed our teeth and said our prayers. We love you too.” PJ, Peapod, and Monkey Man.

He was born on Oct. 15, 1954 in Portland. He was retired from the Navy after many years of exemplary military service. He was a certified lay speaker for the Methodist Church, and was an avid outdoorsman. He was a member of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.

He is predeceased by his father, Clayton Douglass.

Surviving are his wife, Valerie Hatch Douglass of Murray, Ky. (married June 16, 2007 in Fryeburg); mother, Roberta Jewell Douglass of Sebago; three daughters, Mary Orta and Amy Garcia both of Yuma, Ariz., and Julie Benoit of Bridgton; two sons, Henry Douglass of Yuma, Ariz. and Aarin Miles of Westbrook; sister, Eileen Hague of Sebago; brother, Merle Douglass of Baldwin; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at 2 p.m. at Sebago Community Church. Expressions of sympathy may go to: Bradley Memorial United Methodist Church, 374 McNeil Road, Fryeburg, ME 04037.

He was born at Maine Medical Center in Portland on Sept. 3, 1976. He graduated from Gray-New Gloucester High School in 1996. He loved art, dragons and enjoyed being with family and friends. Surviving are his father Michael Strout of Portland, his mother Marcia Curtis of Waterford; two brothers, Mathew Strout of Bridgton, and Mitchell Strout of Warren; his daughter Jordyn of Big Pine, Calif.; his son Christopher of Island Falls; grandparents, Anna Curtis of Falmouth, and Robert and Ethelyn Strout of Steep Falls; and nephews, aunts, uncles and many cousins throughout Maine and New Hampshire.

Funeral services will be held on Oct. 16, at 11 a.m., at St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery, Westbrook.

She was born in Westbrook, Oct. 23, 1950, to Norris and Dorothy (Pinkham) Wescott. She attended Westbrook schools. Ms. St. Jock worked for a number of years at UNUM Corp., and most recently, before her illness, at Disability RMS in Westbrook. Nancy, with her tell-it-like-it-is attitude and her heart of gold, was loved by many and many loved her. She will be dearly missed.
At an early age, Ms. St. Jock was predeceased by her mother. She was also predeceased by her father; her dear daughter, Melissa; and a brother and sister.

She is survived by two daughters, Crystal Wescott of Bridgton and Kelly St. Jock; four grandchildren; sister Shirley Vigeant of Standish; brother Frank Wescott of Windham; as well as nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery in Westbrook. Arrangements by Blais Funeral Home of Westbrook. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098.

Born June 6, 1933, she was a daughter of Francis W. and Elva Dyer Ney. She grew up in South Portland and was a 1951 graduate of South Portland High School. In 1953, she married Thomas A. Holman and together they raised three children. In the late 1970s, the family moved to Casco and Patricia returned to the medical secretary career she loved. She completed her career in the office of Dr. Paul Bonjour in Windham, where she worked for 25 years. She was a member of Peoples Methodist Church in South Portland.

Surviving are her husband of 56 years, Thomas A Holman of Casco; two sons, Thomas “Mike” Holman of Raymond and Craig Holman of Portland; one daughter, Sara Holman of Sidney; two grandchildren; and one sister, Nancy Crews of Georgia.

Memorial visiting hours will be held Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. There will be no service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to: Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Rd., Fryeburg, ME 04037.