BANGOR and HUDSON – Neil Ray McKusick, 86, passed away peacefully Oct. 30, 2010, at a Brewer health care facility. Neil was born Feb. 9, 1924, in Bangor, to George and May (Urquhart) McKusick. Neil grew up and attended Bangor schools before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Neil then worked many years running the coater department at Eastern Fine Paper. In his later years he delivered the Coffee News throughout the area. Music was a passion of Neil’s; playing in a popular band on the steel guitar earned him the nickname “Steel Neil” during the 1940s and 1950s. Neil was an active and faithful member of Bangor Church of Christ for more than 45 years, where he was the song leader. In his spare time, Neil enjoyed gardening, which he was very good at. Neil is survived by his children, Colleen Miller and husband, Paul, of Hudson, Lisa Crowell and husband, Timothy, of Brewer, Dale Noyes and wife, Linda, of Jonesboro and his never forgotten son, Neil Jr.; brothers, Earl McKusick and Bruce McKusick and wife, Viola; sisters, Sondra Spencer and husband, Irving, Gloria Cameron, Thursa “Toots” Kitchen and Faith Day; grandchildren, Amber, Lauren, Reece, Angela, MacKenzie, Travis and Katie; seven great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. Neil was predeceased by his brothers, Danny and Carl McKusick; and sisters, Phyllis Bellargeon and Nellie Wozneak. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, at Bangor Church of Christ, 516 Union St., Bangor, with Brother Ralph Allen eulogizing. Family and friends may visit 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will be private at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Neil’s honor may be made to New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 757, Holden, ME 04429. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
NEIL R. MCKUSICK
