LAMOINE – Harlan F. Hodgkins, 89, died June 15, 2009, at an Ellsworth hospital. He was born Feb. 23, 1920, in Lamoine, the son of Arthur and Margaret (Carter) Hodgkins. Harlan attended school in Lamoine and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1939. Sgt. Hodgkins served in the Pacific as chief of Section 304th Field Artillery 77th Division in World War II. He met Eleanor McKenney on a train trip home from Boston and they were married for 51 years. While he was in Bar Harbor fighting another battle, the great fire of 1947, she surprised him by giving birth to not one as planned, but two bouncing baby boys. She predeceased him in 1997 after many good years filled with family and friends. He was also predeceased by the second love of his life, Leurene. They greatly enriched each others ending years. Harlan spent several years working for Bennett Fishing Co., as a boat mechanic and worked as a service manager for a small construction company in Florida. He returned to Maine and worked for Cutler Construction, to build the Cutler Radio Station and with H.E. Sargent, in repair of heavy equipment in Stillwater. Harlan enjoyed golf, curling, and loved the Red Sox. He always had a very large and productive garden and visitors never left empty handed. He also enjoyed restoring World War II rifles to sporting rifles. Harlan was a member of the Veterans’ of Foreign Wars, American Legion, National Rifle Association, Blue Hill Rifle & Pistol Club, where he was a sharpshooter at trap and was able to out shoot both of his sons even into his 80s. He was also a master mason. Harlan always gave it his all whether it was a war or hobby. He is survived by sons, Peter Hodgkins and wife, Susan Lewis Hodgkins, of Rockport and Paul Hodgkins and wife, Lucille Stratton Hodgkins, of Lamoine; five grandchildren, Christopher Hodgkins and wife, Rhonda, of Camden, N.C., Blake Hodgkins and wife, Terri, of Lamoine, Amy Hodgkins Phillips and husband, Jeremy, of Ellsworth, Debbie Hodgkins of Boca Raton, Fla., and Jo Hodgkins Geddis and husband, Dave, of Owls Head; eight great-grandchildren, Hagen, Ian and Connor Hodgkins, Alida Hodgkins, Bode Phillips, Joseph and Steven Van Kuyk, and Thomas Geddis; sister, Patricia Briggs; brother, Newell Hodgkins and wife, Gloria; many nieces, nephews and cousins; a very special friend, Jane Hodgkins Hostetter. He was predeceased by brothers, Sidney and Arthur; and sisters, Arlene Coy and Marion Gayton. A graveside service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at East Lamoine Cemetery. Harlan was very supportive in the restoration of East Lamoine Church and would like contributions in his memory to be made to Lamoine Historical Society for repair of East Lamoine Church, care of Marion McFarland, 606 Douglas Highway, Lamoine, ME 04605. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
HARLAN F. HODGKINS
