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Gerald Austin
Smith

November 16, 1928 – October 26, 2016

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Obituary for Gerald Austin Smith

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CUSHING - Gerald Austin Smith, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Cushing, on Wednesday, October 26, 2016.

Born in Cushing, November 16, 1928, he was the son of Herbert and Iola Foster Smith.

As a child, Gerald worked by his father’s side on their dairy farm in Cushing and also in their family store.
He attended local schools and graduated from Thomaston High School in 1948.

As an adult, Gerald carried on his father’s dairy business and was a life-long produce farmer. He married his wife, Judith Campbell in 1961. During the fall and winter months, Gerald cut pulp and fire wood, making daily trips to Augusta to supply the then, thriving paper mills. He sold his milk to Vinal’s Dairy, but as dairy regulations grew, he phased out the dairy part of his livelihood and concentrated on the produce farm in Cushing. He supplied local grocery stores such as Finest, Sampson’s, IGA, Hannaford, and Fresh Off the Farm. At times, he also supplied One Pie with squash and pumpkins. He was known for his home-made sauerkraut that he made annually from a secret recipe passed down to him from his mother and father. Gerald had a very strong work ethic. There was a time when he would milk his cows early in the morning, make two trips in his pulp truck to the mill in Augusta, milk the cows again, and still be home to have dinner with his family. Gerald instilled this work ethic into his children and grandchildren as they grew up. They worked by his side, cutting wood in the forest, haying in the fields, or working in his many gardens by ‘picking rocks’, weeding, hoeing, planting cabbage and assisting with many of the other jobs associated with gardening. He enjoyed Sunday drives that consisted of driving around the state of Maine looking at woodlots and finding the best hotdog stand around!

When Gerald wasn’t working, he loved boating and fishing, often stopping and camping on the islands in Muscongus Bay. He enjoyed spending time with family at the shore (the beach) along the St. George River and occasionally digging clams nearby. In the earlier years, he was an avid snowmobiler and belonged to ‘The Snow Sailers’ snowmobile group. Gerald was also great dancer. He and his wife Judy, wouldn't think twice about jumping in the car and driving all the way to Portland just to dance the night away. He was a true animal lover, having many cats and dogs for pets throughout his life.

In his older years, he enjoyed sitting by the kitchen window, watching the wildlife that was so abundant at his home, while receiving visits from his children, grandchildren and friends who would stop by. Not a day went by or was complete until he got his 5 o’clock phone call from his neighbor, Charlie. Gerald was loved and admired by all who knew him.

He was an honorary lifetime member of the Rockland Elks Club.

Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Iola Smith; sisters, Arlene Whitehill, Zetta Sturdee, Marguerite Kangas; brother, Harold Smith and grandson, Shawn Winchenbach. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Judith Smith of Cushing; his children; Libby Wilson and her partner Robert Duga of Searsport, Susan Davenport and her husband James, David Smith and his wife Ruth, Jody-Ann McKee and her husband Randall, William Stambaugh and his wife Kim, Paul Smith and his wife Mary, Cheryl Frye and her husband John, all of Cushing; his grandchildren, Matthew Wilson of New Mexico, Jessica Bartholomew and her husband Christopher, of Downingtown, PA, Timothy Wilson and his wife Rachel of Waldo, Stacia Robinson and her husband Winston of Union, Brandi Smith-Helstrom and her husband Jenner of New Gloucester, Heather Prior and her husband Nathan of Cushing, James William Davenport and his wife Winnie of Cushing, Rachel Campbell and her fiancé Jon Burns of Union, Nathan Stambaugh and his wife Darla of Vinalhaven, William Nicholas Smith of Cushing, Jill Bradbury of Portland; great-grandchildren, Nathan Stambaugh, Afton Bartholomew, Colton Bartholomew, Olivia Wilson, Roman Davenport, Harlan Helstrom, Marcella Stambaugh, and Clyson Prior; his brother-in-law Calvin Sturdee of Rockland; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at a 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Achorn Cemetery, Old County Road, Rockland. The Reverend Wayne Sawyer will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Cushing Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 20, Cushing, Maine 04563 or Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, Maine 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter, and Hutchinson Funeral Home in Rockland.

Service Information

When
Thursday November 10, 2016 2:00pm
Location
Achorn Cemetery
Address
Old County Road
Rockland, ME 04841

Interment Information

Location
Achorn Cemetery
Address
Old County Road
Rockland, ME 04841
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