BANGOR – Garth Kenyon Chandler, 64, passed away Thursday, Dec. 2, 2004, at a Bangor hospital, after a brief illness. He was born Dec. 30, 1939, in Enfield, the son of Lawrence and Harriett (Buck) Chandler. Garth was a graduate of Lee Academy, Colby College and received his law degree from Suffolk University in Boston, Mass., while working as a claims adjuster for Travelers Insurance Company in Boston. He was an attorney practicing in Bangor for 33 years; prior to that time he served 3 years as an Assistant Attorney General in the State of Maine Office of the Attorney General. On June 13, 1964, he married Ava Judith Thompson. They shared 40 wonderful years and raised two fine daughters. Garth will be remembered for his love of family; his pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandsons; and his love of the outdoors, fishing and hunting. His kind, humble and gentle nature touched and nourished many lives. Always honest, helpful and respectful, his wit and sense of humor lightened many moments. He enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking, carving decoys, model airplanes, and gun collecting. Garth enjoyed managing his 150 acre wood lot in Enfield. This fall he was actively involved and single-handedly building a log cabin in Grand Falls, while looking forward to future hunting and fishing excursions, there with his grandsons. He and his family enjoyed many happy occasions at their summer cottage in Rangeley. Garth was a member Deacon and former Moderator of All Souls Church in Bangor; a member of the Maine Bar Association; Charter member and past officer of Bangor Breakfast Kiwanis; an active member and past officer of the Bangor YMCA. He served the City of Bangor on the Board of Assessment Review and the Ethics Committee. He was a member of the Lee Academy Board of Trustees, and a former member of the Board of the Goodwill-Hinckley School. He volunteered his legal services many times over the years. As a member of the Maine Swim Officials Association, he officiated many area high school and college swimming and diving meets. He envisioned the formation of the Maine Swimming and Diving Foundation to save the University of Maine swimming and diving program and spearheaded the successful fundraising campaign. For his outstanding contribution he was presented the “M” Club Award. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Judy of Bangor; daughters Julie Ann Chandler of Cumberland and Amy Beth Chandler Harmon and her husband, Ryan, of Eliot; his grandchildren, twins Jacob Peter Small and Nicholas Garth Small of Cumberland, and Jack Leland Harmon of Eliot. Surviving also are brothers, Larry Chandler and his wife, Helen, of Grand Lake Stream, Gary Chandler and his wife, Bonnie, of Bangor; sister, Suzanne Chandler of Granby, Conn.; a special childhood friend, Andy Lee Webber and his wife, Ruth, of Jaffrey, N.H.; and several nieces and nephews. Garth was predeceased by his parents and sister, Janice. Friends may call 6-8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004, at All Souls Congregational Church, 10 Broadway, Bangor with the Rev. Dr. James L. Haddix, pastor and teacher, the Rev. Renee U. Garrett, minister of Christian Nurture, of All Souls Congregational Church, and the Rev. Dr. Rex H. Garrett Jr., Director of Chaplaincy Services at EMMC officiating. Gifts in Garth’s memory may be made to the Lee Academy Alumni Association, Lee, Maine or to a charity of one’s choice.
GARTH KENYON CHANDLER
