WINTER HARBOR – Clair B. Whitten Sr., 74, died Nov. 9, 2009, at a Bangor health care facility. Clair was born June 17, 1935, in Winter Harbor, the son of the late Alvin and Leoniece (Rice) Whitten. Clair was a member of the first graduating class of Sumner Memorial High School in 1953. After high school, he began working with his father at Alvin R. Whitten General Contractor, which incorporated in 1973 and became A. R. Whitten & Son, Inc. Clair dedicated nearly 60 years to the family business, which his son continues to operate. He was dedicated and passionate about what he did and spent many long and enjoyable, hours operating equipment. Clair also enjoyed meeting with clients, many of which became close family friends. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1957 and was discharged in 1963. Clair enjoyed hunting and each November spent countless hours at his camp in Township 16 with family and friends. As a young man, Clair worked as a registered Maine guide in this same area where he later built his hunting camp. He enjoyed halibut trawling, tuna fishing and hauling his lobster traps on the C. C. & Water, which he owned with his son, Cook. He was known to be a regular at Chase’s Restaurant where he could usually be found mornings on his favorite bar stool. He was also often seen hunting for golf balls at Grindstone Neck Golf Course or riding through town with his buddy, Scout. Clair was predeceased by his sister, Betty Mackenzie; and nephew, John Mackenzie. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Truth (Leighton) Whitten of Winter Harbor; his daughter, Michelle A. Bierman and husband, Michael, of Hancock; his son, Clair “Cook” Whitten and his wife, Lori, of Winter Harbor; his beloved grandchildren, Courtney, Morgan, Dylan and Ali; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Smith of Unionville; a niece, Crystal; nephew, Peter and his wife, Stephanie; and nephew, Tommy. Clair will be greatly missed by all of his family, special friends and the tight-knit Winter Harbor community. Family and friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 47 Main St., Milbridge. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Nov. 13 at Hammond Hall, Main Street, Winter Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association Maine Affiliate, Inc., 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074 or ARK Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 276, Cherryfield, ME 04622. Family and friends may leave condolences for the family by visiting www.bragdonkelley.com.
CLAIR B. WHITTEN SR.
