CAMDEN – Howard H. Thomas, 88, died June 22, 2012, at Maine Veterans Home, Augusta, with his family by his side. He had been a resident there for almost three years. Born Sept. 2, 1923, in Lincolnville, he was the son of Herbert and Abby (Richards) Thomas.
Howard “Hal” grew up in Lincolnville where he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers. In 1941, he began employment at Camden Shipyard where he gained many woodworking skills. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1943 and proudly served his country in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He attained the rank of carpenter’s mate second class and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal. On June 10, 1946, Howard married Claribel A. Leach, in Camden. They were married for more than 57 years, and enjoyed hosting many family and holiday gatherings. He loved his family, and was always there to share his wisdom and be helpful to them. Howard always had many stories and funny jokes to share. Howard and his wife enjoyed spending most summer evenings with fellow “wharf rat” friends at Camden Harbor. He appreciated having his longtime friends from the coastal area visit him at the Veterans Affairs Home. For more than 50 years, Howard was a building contractor and master craftsman. He built and remodeled many homes and commercial buildings in the midcoast area. His daughters and grandchildren proudly display his many lovely pieces of furniture made by him in their homes. A favorite hobby in addition to his work was making copper eagles for weather vanes. Together with his wife, he owned and operated Coastal Paint and Wallpaper for many years in Camden. He was the longest serving director of Camden Home of Senior Citizens and was a member of American Legion Post No. 30, Camden.
Howard was predeceased by his wife, Claribel (Leach) Thomas, Jan. 19, 2005; son-in-law, Richard S. Sallinen, March 24, 2012; and three brothers. Surviving are his two daughters, Sharon Sallinen of Camden, and Patricia Dean and husband, Scott, of Bellingham, Mass.; one sister, Phyllis Bohrer of Bandon, Ore.; two brothers, Perry Thomas and wife, Natalie, and Alan Thomas and companion, Ava Jackson, all of Lincolnville; five grandchildren, Bethany Sallinen and fiance, John Gaffka, of Ann Arbor, Mich., Thomas Sallinen Sr. and wife, Stacy, of Gorham, Jonathan Howard Sallinen and girlfriend, Patricia Hamm, of Gaithersburg, Md., Kathryn Luedtke and husband, Michael, of Bellingham, Mass., and Gregory Dean of San Francisco; six great-grandchildren, Thomas Sallinen Jr., Matthew Sallinen, Nicholas Sallinen, all of Gorham, Owen Luedtke, Jackson Howard Luedtke and Mira Luedtke, all of Bellingham, Mass.; many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service with a reception after will be held 1 p.m. Monday, July 9, at John Street United Methodist Church, 98 John St., Camden with the Rev. Peg Moser officiating. Interment will be held at a later date at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. Memorial donations may be made to Make-A-Wish-Foundation Foundation of Maine, 477 Congress St., Suite M1, Portland, ME 04101. Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain St., Camden. Condolences and memories may be shared with the Thomas family by visiting their book of memories at
www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.