ELLSWORTH – Earl “Midge” Collier passed away Aug. 1, 2008, after a very short illness, at the age of 82. Active and well known to many Ellsworth residents, he was born Sept. 30, 1925, in Danforth, and lived his life in Ellsworth, surrounded by lifelong friends and family. At age 17, Midge enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and fought bravely in the South Pacific, where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. Honorably discharged in 1946, he returned to Ellsworth and married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Harrington. Midge then went to work for Bangor Hydro Electric Co., and retired in 1986. He was a member of Lygonia Masonic Lodge No. 40, Hancock County Shrine Club and Anah Temple. Managing his numerous properties in the Ellsworth area, he enjoyed socializing and dining out with friends and family. If you knew Midge, you knew, “ice on the side” was a signature request when it came to ordering that afternoon drink. His strength and sense of humor will certainly live on in all that knew and loved him. He is survived by his brother, Lawrence “Lonnie” Collier of Trenton; his daughter, Nancy Barrett of Brewer and her husband, David, granddaughter, Lisa Krygowski and her husband, Brian, great-granddaughter, Amanda and grandson, Joel Barrett; his son, Steven Collier and his wife, Kim, of Atlanta, grandson, Jason Collier and granddaughter, Heather Collier; his daughter, Cathy Fetterman and her husband, John, of Manchester, granddaughter, Jessica McKay and her husband, Cameron, great-granddaughter, Rylee and granddaughter, Holly Johnston. Midge is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Midge was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Ruth Harrington Collier; his son, Bruce Collier; and brother, Harold “Tubby” Collier. Midge lived in a loving, caring community that, as he slowed down in recent years, cared for and watched after Midge as he loved the independent life that was so important to him. His family wants to thank the city of Ellsworth for the many caring friends and neighbors who watched over Midge as he “made the rounds.” It was special friends that made Midge’s life complete. Tina Salzarulo was a loving lifelong friend who enriched all our lives in his later years. Phil Eaton, and Barbara and Lloyd Hodgkins, all neighbors and caring friends, who shared their love on a daily basis. Finally, to the staff at Brewer Rehabilitation Center, who showed Midge such care and compassion in his final days. We are forever appreciative. Calling hours will be held 5-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth, where a funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5. Interment will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Ellsworth. Contributions in Midge’s memory may be made to the Scholarship Fund of Earl “Midge” V. Collier, payable to Acadia Trust, care of Elizabeth Young, P.O. Box 807, Ellsworth, ME 04605. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
EARL ‘MIDGE’ COLLIER
