HOLDEN – Arnold “Bo” Black, 62, died June 5, 2010, surrounded by family at his home. He was born April 1, 1948, in Cape Rosier, the son of Lewis and Florene (Cotes) Black. Bo was the middle of five children and spent his boyhood outdoors swimming, fishing, sliding and skating. He was a Boy Scout, and played Little League and Pony League baseball. He graduated from Brooksville Elementary in 1963 and George Stevens Academy in 1967, earning the school’s highest award for vocational arts. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve shortly thereafter. A Vietnam-era veteran, Bo served in the Navy active duty for three years and served an additional eight years in the Navy Reserve. He graduated from Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute with a degree in electrical power in 1973. With his master electrician’s license, people skills and a reputation for quality work, he owned and operated a successful contracting business, Black’s Electric Service, which earned him many satisfied customers and lifelong friends throughout Eastern Maine. His love of a good challenge and the satisfaction of a job well done led him to pursue this and a variety of other side businesses – most recently Bo’s Bodacious Baskets. In addition, he spent 30 years at the helm of No. 5 paper machine – originally St. Regis Paper Co. – now Verso Paper. Next to hard work, Bo loved digging clams, hunting and motoring his boat along the coast of Maine. He was interested in everything and tried his hand at a variety of activities, from starting a Christmas tree farm to ballroom dancing to making maple syrup. He loved old dogs, young kids, gardening and made the best clam chowder you ever had. He will be remembered for his humor, his strength, his determination and his tremendous generosity. In addition to his mother, Florene of Cape Rosier, Bo is survived by his wife, Jaska Black of Holden; two children, Lisa Black and husband, Ben Priest, of Buffalo, N.Y., and Christopher Black and wife, Meghan, of Brewer; two stepdaughters, Heather Furth and husband, Abe, of Orono and Brienne Cressey of Boston; three beloved grandchildren, Kathryn, Isabella and Jackson; three siblings, Geraldine Rackliff of Bucksport, Edward and wife, Anne, of Cape Rosier and Carol Allen of Surry; and special brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Neta Lingley of Orrington. He will also be remembered by his brothers and sisters-in-law, his nieces, nephews and many, many dear friends. Bo was predeceased by his father; and a brother, Alfred. Relatives and friends are invited to call 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, at Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer, where funeral services will be held 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 9. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversations and refreshments at Brookings-Smith Reception Rooms, 55 South Main St., Brewer, after the service. Those wishing to remember Bo in a special way may donate in his memory to New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 757, Holden, ME 04429. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
ARNOLD ROBERT BLACK
