HOWARD E. BRIDGES

BUCKSPORT – Howard E. Bridges, 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Bucksport on Feb. 20, 2004, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Aug. 31, 1918, in Bucksport, the son of Warren E. and Laura E. (Harriman) Bridges. Howard was a graduate of Bucksport High School. At the age of 19, he was featherweight boxing champion for the state of Maine. In his younger years he was a Maine guide and trapper in the Allagash region. He enjoyed fishing and hunting throughout his life. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving from 1942-1945. Mr. Bridges was in five major campaigns in the European Theater, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was in the service company of the 37th tank battalion, 4th armed division of Patten’s 3rd Army. After the war, Howard went to work at the St. Regis Paper Co. in Bucksport, where he retired after more than 30 years. Howard enjoyed raising Hereford’s cows and going to fairs where he won many ribbons and awards with them. He was also an experienced horseman and loved all animals including his dogs. He was a member of the North Bucksport United Methodist Church and the Bucks Mills Rod and Gun Club. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rosemary (Angell) Bridges; two daughters, Charlotte Bridges White and her husband, Donald, Stephanie Bridges, all of Bucksport; three grandchildren, Denise Sheehan and her husband, Michael, of Bucksport, Jeffery Mann and his wife, Kathy, of Portland, Bryan Mann and his wife, Maria, of Bucksport; three great-grandchildren, Brentley and Adam Sheehan, Joseph Mann, all of Bucksport; one sister, Bessie Small of Bucksport; several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours for family and friends will be held 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, at the Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2004, at the North Bucksport United Methodist Church, with Pastor Peter Remick and Pastor Rose Krienke officiating. Spring interment will be held in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Bucksport. Donations may be made in his memory to the North Bucksport United Methodist Church, care of Charlotte Eastman, 1007 River Road, Bucksport, ME 04416.