MAURICE EARL TOWLE

BANGOR – Maurice E. Towle, 87, died Thursday morning, April 17, 2008, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor. He was born April 30, 1920, in Presque Isle, son of Earl and Viota (Bell) Towle. Maurice grew up in Easton on a potato farm, attended Easton schools and graduated from Easton High School, where he was active in sports, including baseball, basketball and cross-country skiing. He was also known to be a great wrestler. He attended Colby College, Waterville, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and then joined the U.S. Army Air Force to become a pilot, for which he retained a lifelong interest in airplanes and aviation history. After discharge from the service, he returned to Easton and became a successful potato grower on the farm where he grew up. He married Freda Stephenson of Florenceville, New Brunswick, in 1948 and they raised five children together. His work ethic was unstoppable and he determinedly put his five children through college and was always there for them when they needed him. After retiring from potato farming, he and his wife, Freda, moved to Hampden where they spent 20 years. While living in Hampden, he enjoyed planting his tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes every year. He also took up golf and developed a love for the sport. He became a member of Hampden Country Club and spent most days every week playing golf. He made many friends there and would tell stories of his adventures. He also had a passion for baseball and was a loyal fan of the New York Yankees, spurring lively debates with his children and grandchildren. Maurice was a very active man his entire life and walked and jogged every day until the last few years. He loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed many years at his camp at Burntland Stream, Westfield, with his friends, children and grandchildren. Maurice also loved to read and regularly enjoyed discussing his latest non-fiction book, always propped up on one of his many inventions, his homemade book reading tray. He was known for his twinkling blue eyes and heart melting smile. Maurice never lost his love for learning and keeping up with times. Maurice was one of the first people his grandchildren remember owning a VCR when no one else had one. He always wanted to know in detail what his grandchildren were pursuing in school and in life. He had an interest in learning computers and just this past year asked his granddaughter to show him how to use a Blackberry. He took great joy in his great-grandchildren and enjoyed sharing his chocolate covered peanuts, doughnuts and tic tacs with them. He was predeceased by his dear wife, Freda, in 2004; and grandson, Michael Towle, in 2000. He is survived by his sister, Marjorie Stinchfield of Farmington; brother, Lawrence Towle of Easton; his five children, Nancy Coffey and husband, Dan, of Holden, Earl Towle and partner, Joy Patterson, of Fryeburg, Penny Hawkins and husband, Brian, of Winslow, Scott Towle and wife, Kathy, of Brewer; and daughter, Gerry Bayat of China. He is also survived by grandchildren, Martin Towle, Kristin Coffey Canders and husband, John, Daniel Towle Coffey and wife, Stephanie, Angela Hawkins Manzer and husband, Dean, Amber Hawkins Whittaker and husband, Tom, and Chris Towle; and great-grandchildren, Lily Canders, Caleb Canders, Elizabeth Manzer, Dean Manzer and Mickaela Manzer. Maurice often quoted Al Pacino from one of his favorite movies, Scent of a Woman – “hoo-ah!,” he’d say with joy when he saw his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, finished a good book, hit a good ball at the driving range or caught a big fish… “hoo-ah!” – Fly away dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather… Many thanks to all of Maurice’s “sweethearts” at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor, and Hospice of Eastern Maine for their constant, loving care. A private memorial service will be held at a later date and a graveside service will be held this spring. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the Maine Veterans’ Home, Unit C Nursing Staff, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements by Memorial Alternatives, 205 Center St., Bangor.