1935 – 2004

NORRIDGEWOCK – Phil Humphrey, 68, died April 1, at his home.

Born in Gray, Sept. 30, 1935, the son of Gerald and Harriet Russell Humphrey Sr. he graduated from Pennell Institute in 1953.

He worked as an ironworker for Local 496 for over 25 years retiring as a result of a back injury in 1986. During the 1970’s, while still working for Local 496, he opened Charlonate Corporation, an ironworking company. He had many sideline entrepreneurial endeavors over his lifetime including: Phil Humphrey Tack Company horse equipment; a snowmobile business; a saddle and leather shop; and an overnight cabin business.

His overnight cabin business and horse equipment businesses, coupled with his personality, lead him to meet and associate with movies stars, country musicians, and sports stars including, Joan Crawford, Dick Curless, Marty Milner, Glenn Corbett, Pam Tillis, and Richard Petty. He even helped with the production of an episode of Route 66, filmed in Poland Spring, by providing them horses.

He enjoyed hunting, stockcar racing, target shooting, agricultural fairs, and family activities. When grandchildren arrived into his life they became the focus of his attention. He enjoyed taking them on shopping sprees to Wal-Mart, loved going to their baseball and softball games, and to be present when they showed their animals at the Cumberland Fair. He spent his winters in Oklahoma, which suited him well because he was a cowboy at heart.

He married Charlotte Cole who died in 1990.

He is survived by two sons, Lonnie and his wife Pam Humphrey of New Gloucester, and Nate and his wife Beth Humphrey of Gray; grandchildren, Brittany, Danielle, and Cody; three brothers, Buzzy (Gerald), Charlie, Timothy; sisters, Arvilla Lachance and Eleanor Wiston.