NEWBURGH – Lewis E. Newell, 89, of Chapman Road, Newburgh, died Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006, at his home. He was born March 11, 1917, in Lexington, Maine, the son of Deborah Dyer Newell and Mahlon F. Newell. He married Lucille Doris Robbins in Industry, Maine, July 7, 1940. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Lucille, his parents, and his stepmother, Nellie Nugent Newell. He is survived by his children, Emily Braley of Winterport, Mary Morrison of Winslow, Robert Newell and wife, Miranda, of Chesterfield, Va., Carol Potter and husband, Jack Corrigan, of Bucksport, Donald Newell and wife, Patricia, of Unity, David Newell and wife, Linda, of Freeport, Rand Newell and wife, Jolene, of Newburgh; 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and several honorary grandchildren; half sisters, Lottie Howes, Laurie McLean and husband, Eldon, Marilyn Pinkham and Jean Breingan. “A grand man who stood taller than the tallest tree” in the eyes of family and friends, Lewis was a man who loved family and lived life to its fullest. Loving husband and family man, outdoorsman, fisherman, hunter, handyman, gardener, snowmobiler, civic and community leader and proponent of education, are among the many words and phrases that describe him. Following Lucille’s death, he added baker/chef to the list, mastering the art of pie baking, baking beans, making chowder and more. Lewis graduated as salutatorian from Central High School in North New Portland and from The Massachusetts Diesel Institute in Boston. He was the 33rd man hired to help construct the East Shipyard in South Portland, where Liberty ships were built for the British and where he maintained the boilers and portable equipment used to drive piles. He subsequently worked at the West Shipyard where seven Liberty ships were built simultaneously. He constructed and maintained steam, air, oxygen and acetylene distribution lines. Lewis then joined the Merchant Marines, sailing on the Liberty ships, Edward N. Hurley and George S. Bibb, which carried locomotives to Russia, grain to France, and coal to Norway. His early working career included jobs at Western Maine Sanitarium and Summit Springs Hotel. He joined Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company in 1947 and retired after 35 years. He inspected boilers, pressure vessels and machinery in a territory that included central and northern Maine; in the last 10 years he specialized in public utilities, hydro stations, and paper mills. Lewis helped to organize the Newburgh Volunteer Fire Department, and was it’s first fire chief; reorganized and co-chaired the University of Maine at Orono Parents and Friends Association; was past director and chair of the Hampden-Newburgh-Winterport School District; served on the Baxter State Park volunteers committee; co-chaired the Governor’s Council on Landowner Relations; and was a member of the Moosehead Lake Fisheries Coalition. Important to Lewis were his Masonic affiliations which included positions as past master Archon Lodge AF & AM No. 75 of East Dixmont, past district deputy grand master, District No. 22; past junior grand warden, Grand Lodge of Maine; Demolay for Boys, Northern Region Governor; noble, Anah Temple Shrine; and member, Scottish Rite Bodies of Bangor and Portland. His contributions to the snowmobiling community included active member of the Newburgh Countryside Riders, Maine Snowmobile Association Insurance Committee, First Trail Chair and Legislative Chair, International Snowmobile Association Chair, New England Chapter; Maine and American Snowmobiler of the Year and Antique Snowmobile Club of America member. Other snowmobile club memberships were with the Dixmont, Embden, Lexington Highlands and Canadian Sentier Mad-Vic Trail Association Montoneige clubs. Visiting hours are scheduled 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, where a Masonic memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., conducted by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Gerald S. Leighton of the Grand Lodge of Maine. The Celebration of Life will be held 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, at the Unity Performing Arts Centre, Depot Street, Unity, with doors opening 2 p.m. with a dinner reception to follow. The family welcomes shared memories or stories, written or verbal. Interment will be private at West Cemetery in New Portland. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Lucille D. and Lewis E. Newell Scholarship Fund, University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation, 5737 Jenness Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5737 or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com