HOULTON – Charles John Upton, 64, died unexpectedly Jan. 18, 2009, at a Bangor hospital. He was born July 7, 1944, in Washburn, son of Frank E. and Helen (Inman) Upton. Charles graduated from Letchworth Central School, New York and received his Bachelor of Arts from Ricker College. He served with the U.S. Army during Vietnam and upon returning, owned a construction business in Boothbay Harbor. He was employed by the town of Houlton for more than 23 years as economic development director and grant writer. Charles was later employed as executive director of the Upper Valley Economic Development Council and grant writer for Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. He worked countless hours for the betterment of Houlton, Aroostook County and the state of Maine. He was past president of Maine Community Development Director’s Association, past president of Economic Development Council of Maine, vice president of Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum, awarded recognition of accomplishment by Maine Historic Preservation Commission and named economic developer of the year by Finance Authority of Maine. Charles is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Burton) Upton of Houlton; stepson, Josh Plourd of Bangor; stepdaughter, Jodi (Plourd) Meyerson and husband, Eric, of Orrington; four grandchildren, Gabi, Anna, Grey and Sophie Meyerson; two sisters, Mary Upton Davis of Lynchburg, Va., and Hazel Upton Hopkins and husband, Larry, of Abingdon, Md.; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Harold. A celebration of Charles’ life will be held 1 p.m. Thursday at Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum, Littleton. Due to family allergies, please no flowers. Gifts may be made in Charles’ memory to Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730.
CHARLES J. UPTON
