CALAIS – Eugene M. Townsend, 89, beloved husband of Patricia Smith Townsend, passed away Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at a Bangor hospital. Gene was born Feb. 7, 1920, in Calais, son of the late Albert J. and Elizabeth Markee Townsend Griffin. Gene grew up in Calais and graduated from Calais Academy, Class of 1937. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the outbreak of World War II and served in England, North Africa and Italy. During his years of service in the Air Corps and while being qualified as a B-17 engineer, his artistic talents were soon discovered and he was enlisted to put the names and art work, known as “nose art,” on many of his squadron aircraft. Several Web sites featuring much of his work have been created by military historians. After discharge from the service in September 1945, he attended Randolph School of Art, Hartford, Conn., and later worked in the experimental jet division of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. Gene and his wife, Pat, enjoyed traveling and they spent a number of years in the south, where he was employed by Florida Advertising Co., St. Augustine. He also established his own sign business in Calais and continued with that work for many years. Later, Gene and Pat spent many winter seasons in Florida and maintained a home in St. Augustine Beach, Fla., returning to Maine each summer. Gene, along with his friend, Jay Hinson, purchased the Machias Valley News Observer in 1967 and as co-owners and co-publishers of the newspaper, enjoyed many years of a great and successful business relationship. Gene was a longtime member and past president of Calais Lions Club, Frontier Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Baileyville, and a life member of Sherman Bros. Post No. 3 American Legion, Calais. Throughout the years he enjoyed many outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, boating and camping. He had a special love of the St. Croix River and the many lakes in the area. Gene was predeceased by his parents; his stepfather, Leo Griffin; a brother, Verne of Denver; sister, Erdine Claridge of Calais; and a very special great-uncle and great-aunt, Grafton and Eunice Grearson of Calais, with whom he spent many years of his youth. Surviving are his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia (Smith) Townsend; sister, Lois Hardy and her family of Enfield, Conn.; brothers-in-law, Alan Smith of Calais and Donald Smith of Lake Worth, Fla.; a special niece, Gayle Lindsay and her family of St. Stephen, New Brunswick; many nieces and nephews. At Gene’s request, there will be no visiting hours. A celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, at Calais United Methodist Church, 849 Main St., Calais, with Pastor Ray Morse officiating. Burial with military honors will be afterward at Calais Cemetery. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais and Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.
EUGENE ‘GENE’ TOWNSEND
