VEAZIE – Benjamin C. Smith 74, died at his home in Veazie, Feb. 4, 2004. He was born Sept. 9, 1929, in Bangor, to Benjamin Churchill Smith and Phyllis (Grant) Smith. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Lauren (Smith) King; and his brother Fred Smith. He was a loving devoted husband of 49 years to June Hollis Smith. Ben attended Hampden schools. He served in the U.S. Army for three years in Germany and subsequently was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. Ben was a well-known car salesman from 1962-1979. He then served as a manager for New Franklin Laundry in Bangor. He was very active in Masonic Lodges and Scottish Rites, a member of Anah Shriners, a charter member of the Provost Guard and a member of the Academicians. In his later years, Ben converted to Catholicism and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Orono. After retirement he enjoyed woodworking, creating beautiful dollhouses, birdhouses and miniature crafts. Ben is survived by his beloved wife, June; three sons Dan S. Smith and his wife, Ann, of Veazie, Lloyd S. Smith and his wife, Sheri, of Veazie; and Roy Smith of Bangor; son-in-law, Richard King of Sanford; sister-in-law, Donna Smith of Hampden; brother-in-law, Frank Hollis of Rockport; eight grandchildren, Emily, Molly, Philip and Stephanie Smith, Garrett Wilkin, Hannah Fettig, Theresa and David King; five special aunts, Dorothy Hobden, Marguerite Palmer, Genevieve Gardiner, Madeline Smith, and Flora Carmichael. He will be sadly missed by his family and especially by his loyal loving pet Benji. A service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, with the Rev. Joseph Koury, pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Orono, officiating. Interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Veazie at a later date this spring. Friends are invited to join the family at the home of Dan Smith, 1058 Main St., Veazie, following the service for refreshments and memory sharing. Gifts in Ben’s memory may be sent to Make A Wish Foundation of Maine, 87 Elm St., Camden, ME 04843 or the Shriners Hospital for Children, care of Anah Shriners, P.O. Box 735, Bangor 04402-0735.
BENJAMIN C. SMITH
