MILLINOCKET – Gene Pease, 78, passed away peacefully March 6, 2011, with family by his side at home. Gene was born April 20, 1932, in Buxton, the youngest of six children born to James F. and Florence (Maddox) Pease.
Gene graduated from Portland’s Deering High School, Class of 1949. He then attended the University of Maine, Orono, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1953, followed by his Master of Science degree in pulp and paper technology in 1954, at the same time receiving a certificate in pulp and paper management. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Japan during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged after two years. He then worked for Great Northern Paper Co., retiring in 1990 after 34 years of employment. Gene was very involved in many aspects of the Masonic organization, holding several local, state and national offices, and retained membership in local, state and national chapters. He held many offices throughout his lifetime, including being elected as grand high priest in April 2001. He was also a member of Anah Temple, including the Provost Guard, and was a lifetime member of Sunshine Club for Crippled Children and Northern Penobscot Shrine Club. Gene was also a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, serving on the vestry, publishing newsletters and organizing and participating in church suppers. Gene was a devoted father and grandfather, and enjoyed holiday family gatherings, get-togethers at camp and traveling to his grandchildren’s events.
Gene was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Montgomery, in 1973; and by his second wife, Charlene Fiske, in 2010. He is survived by three children, Judith E. Knowlton and her husband, Douglass, Mark N. Pease and fiancee, Dianne Grandmaison, and Kathy J. Bishop and her husband, John; a stepson, Robert Leveille and his wife, Catherine; 10 grandchildren, Seth Knowlton, Jesse Knowlton and companion, April Cammack, Lisa Morton and her husband, Michael, Tyler, Hannah and Nolan Pease, Katie and Nicholas Bishop, Brian Allen and Elizabeth Leveille; siblings, Harlan Pease, Marshall Pease and his wife, Margaret, Burton Pease and his wife, Barbara, and Dorothy Owen; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gene will also be missed by a special nephew, James Huston. In addition to his parents and wives, Gene was predeceased by a sister, Arlene Todd. Gene’s family extends a special thank you to his caregivers, Audra, Kylie, Sharon, Sandi and Pat, who became his extended family. Thanks also to R & C In Home Care personnel for their excellent care.
Friends are invited to visit with the family 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, at Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket, with funeral services beginning 3 p.m. with Deacon Bob Landry officiating. Spring interment will be at South Buxton Cemetery, Bar Mills. Gifts in memory of Gene may be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114; St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 40 Highland Ave., Millinocket, ME 04462; or Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, ME 04462. Messages of condolence may be expressed at
www.lamsonfh.com.