Roger Strout

SOUTH PORTLAND — Roger Alvin Strout, 86, of South Portland and Raymond, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017.

He will be best remembered for the love he had for his family, farm and khaki-colored clothing.

Though he never married, nor had children of his own, he was such a strong influence on his sister and his nieces and nephews, that when he passed away, the room was filled with the love of “his” offspring, many of whom had come to see him off on his final journey.

Roger was the son of the late Hazel B. Hatt and Alvin W. Strout.

He was also predeceased by his loving sister, Helen Powell and his brother, Forrest Richard Strout.

He is survived by his “kid” sister, Irene Goodine, whom he “took care of” as long as he could. He was 16 years her senior and thought of her as his own child, always offering what she called “an awful lot of free advice.”

He had a gentleman’s farm in Raymond, where he created countless memories with the children of his siblings. By the time a child was 10, he or she had spent hours picking blueberries, driving tractors and motorcycles, watching chickens hatch, and wading (only up to their knees!) at Crescent Lake with Uncle Roger. Red Hot Candies, Hershey Bars, Maine’s first “tiny house,” Pinkie Balls, Lawrence Welk and Hee Haw, Boston Baked Beans and red hotdogs are all things that will always spark memories of him.

Roger had many jobs, but one of his favorites was working as a custodian at Westbrook High School. He was well liked by the students. Many of their cast-off works of art made it into a place of honor on his summer home's outhouse walls. He could always see beauty where others did not.

A soldier in the Army during the Korean War, Roger spent his last months at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough. There, he made friends with all the pretty female employees. Roger was a man unlike any other. Those who knew him will carry him in their hearts forever.

Other survivors include his nieces and nephews, Julie Brown, Gary Powell, Elizabeth Goodine, Jennifer Goodine, Daryl Goodine and Sara Richardson. They will think of him every time a warm breeze blows over the fields on a long summer day.

Visiting hours were held Sunday, March 5, at the First Congregational Church Chapel, 301 Cottage Road, South Portland. The service was held at 12:30 p.m., with burial following at the Riverside Cemetery, Raymond. Arrangements are in the care of Hobbs Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be expressed at: hobbsfuneralhome.com