COREA – Earl Briggs, 84, died Jan. 26, 2010, at an Ellsworth hospital from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. He was born Dec. 12, 1925, in Birch Harbor, the son of Earl and Myra (Rice) Briggs. Dad attended school up to the ninth grade in Winter Harbor. After that, he chose to make a living from the sea. Dad held numerous jobs and had been part of countless organizations throughout the years. He was a lifetime fellow of Maine Lobsterman’s Association. He was a member for 50 years of Winter Harbor Masonic Lodge No. 192 and 50-year member of Knights of Pythias. Dad was also a fellow of Anah Temple Shrine, Bangor Council No. 5, Hancock County Shriners, Shriners of North America and Blanquefort Commandery No. 013. He also served as president and a founding father to Corea Co-op. Dad had worked countless jobs before becoming a 60-year veteran of lobster fishing. He worked for many different people, including Fulton Backman, Elmer Alley, Alston Alley and Sam Colwell on the Helen Eaton, seining for herring. Dad was employed by Snow’s Canning, South Gouldsboro; and Stinson’s Canning Co., Prospect Harbor. At age 22, Dad decided it was time to make it on his own and go lobster fishing. He maintained that love until age 82 when he retired. Dad is survived by his wife of 61 years, Morna L. (Dunbar) Briggs; and their three children, Terrance Briggs of Boston, Tim Briggs of Sullivan, and Brenice Briggs and fiance, Doug Timms, of Gouldsboro; four granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Abial and wife, Vera Briggs, of Gouldsboro, and Acel and wife, Maria Briggs, of Homosassa, Fla.; two sisters, Eva and husband, Earl Newenham, of Gouldsboro, and Rena Daley of South Gouldsboro; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; five sisters, Lucile Briggs, Bessie Young, Agnes Lepak, Kay Moore and Carolyn Hall; and two brothers, Bernard Briggs and an infant brother. The family thanks the staff of the intensive care unit at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care Dad received in his last hours. A visitation will be held 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 30, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge, with a service immediately after with Charles Kelley officiating. A Masonic service will be performed by Winter Harbor Lodge No. 192. Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association. www.bragdonkelley.com
EARL BRIGGS
