EAST MILLINOCKET – Edgar Franklin “Eddie” Hamm Sr., 80, died Jan. 23, 2004, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor, following a long illness. He was born on June 2, 1923, at the Union Hotel in East Millinocket, the youngest child of Angus and Lillian Hamm. He spent his entire lifetime in East Millinocket, where as a young man he worked with his mother and father at the Union Hotel, which was a popular establishment during the construction of the Great Northern Paper Co. Taking only a short time off while serving in the Army, he returned to East Millinocket, where he married, raised his family and continued to work at the hotel. In the fall of 1964, a fire destroyed his birthplace and workplace. Thus, the Hamlet Motel and Restaurant was built and was a popular spot for many years. He also was proprietor of the Dolby Motel and Restaurant. Eddie was well known and admired for his warmth, generosity, kindness, sense of humor and thoughtfulness. He will be remembered for his hustling through the Hamlet dining room to pour another cup of coffee, or tending bar with flair. He loved catering to the public and lived by the motto inscribed on a sign at both the Union Hotel and the Hamlet, “You’re a stranger, here but once.” He was a member of the First Congregational Church of East Millinocket, Chamber of Commerce, and the American Legion. He was a peewee basketball and little league coach He was predeceased by his devoted and cherished wife of 51 years, Laura, in January of 2000; two brothers, Angus and Donald; four sisters, Myrtle McCafferty, Maude Doering, Mildred Colangelo and Margaret Flanders. He is survived by his children, Ed Jr. and wife, Gail, of East Millinocket, Jeff and wife, Cheryl, of Lynnfield, Mass., Colleen “Colly” and husband, Bruce Johnson, of Brewer, Scott and wife, Nyoka, of East Millinocket, Patty and husband, Bob Williams, of Holden, and Bob of Sherman; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He also leaves many special caregivers at the Maine Veterans’ Home, where he made his home for more than three years. Friends and family may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the East Millinocket Congregational Church. A celebration of life service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at the church with Pastor Mark Pilletere officiating. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to the First Congregational Church, 11 Maple St., East Millinocket, ME 04430. For online register book, please visit www.bouchardfh.com.
EDGAR FRANKLIN ‘EDDIE’ HAMM SR.
