EDWARD R. SIMMONS

SEDGWICK – Edward R. Simmons, of Sedgwick, passed away on Oct. 11, 2004. He was the husband of Marion R. Simmons. Edward, Ted to those in Maine, was born March 16, 1926, in Sargentville. He and his siblings were just as comfortable in the deep woods or boating on Eggemoggin Reach. He graduated from the town’s one room schoolhouse, then went on to graduate from the University of Maine with a degree in Engineering. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic in the Pacific. After marrying, he moved to Simsbury, Conn. and raised five children. While living in Simsbury, he was a longtime member of the Volunteer Ambulance Association and helped umpire many a game for the Simsbury Little League and Babe Ruth baseball leagues. In between work and volunteering, Ed enjoyed going back to Deer Isle, Maine for summer vacations. His knowledge of the rocky waters and expertise in boating afforded the children a great number of memories. He retired from Hamilton Standard after a 38-year career. He and Marion moved to Maine to live out their golden years. Ed was an active member on many of the town committees including the Sedgwick Historical Society, Sargentville Free Library and Cemetery Association. He also served as the town’s harbor master and several terms as third selectman. What was best for the town was his first and foremost thought. Ed was very proud of his vegetable garden and apple orchard and many people made it a point to stop by and get a bag of apples every October. He was an avid outdoorsman, never one to miss a hunting season. He scouted the deer in the late summer and always had a good idea where the deer were, up until opening day. The deer then seemed to melt away. He swears it was his fearsome reputation as a hunter that scared them away. People who know him disagree. More often than not, he came away empty handed. That was okay. Getting out in the cold morning and sitting on a rock overlooking a field was reward enough. In addition to his wife of 52 years, Ed is survived by his five children, Keith and Nancy Simmons, of Annandale, Va., Kerry and Lori Simmons, of Woodbury, Conn., Kevin and Deborah Simmons of Southington, Conn., Sheryl and John Sponaugle, of Amherst, and John and Kimberly Simmons of Enfield, Conn. He leaves five grandchildren, Nicholas Sponaugle, Lauren, Eric, Ryan and Daniel Simmons. He also leaves two sisters, Mary Rollins and her husband, Norman, of Ithaca, N.Y. and Martha Garroway, of Portland, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers, Richard, John, Herbert and David who, like Ed, were all veterans of World War II. There will be a viewing 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at Jordan-Fernald, 141 South St., Blue Hill. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, at the Sargentville Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hancock County Home Care and Hospice, PO Box 156, Blue Hill, ME 04614.