WINTHROP – Eric Rodney Doughty, 78, died at his High Street residence, with family by his side, on Friday evening, Aug. 13.

He was born in Topsham March 8, 1926, the son of John Henry Doughty Jr. and Ina Francis (Hicks) Doughty.

Graduating from MCI in 1943, and University of Maine at Orono in 1950, Eric held a degree in Agricultural Engineering. A World War II Veteran, Eric served in U.S. Navy 1943 to 1946.

Employed by Central Maine Power for 32 years as Director of Farm Services, Eric retired in 1988.

During his tenure, Eric was instrumental in the creation of Maine Farm Days. He was a member of the Electrical Council of New England and had maintained many contacts from that group. Eric received many awards during his career including the Friend of Agriculture Award (1977), the Service to Agriculture Award for Maine Farm Days (1974), and Honorary State Farmer by Future Farmers of America.

Eric was an active member of Winthrop Congregational Church who served in many capacities over the years. In recent years, he was a chef for the church’s Fish Chowder Luncheon. A 57-year Mason and Past Master of the Winthrop Temple Lodge, Eric also participated in school and community events and was a member of the School Building Committee for the former high school.

Eric had many interests and hobbies including building and restoring boats, woodworking and furniture building, metalwork, family genealogy, and he loved to entertain family and friends at his home in Winthrop, his camp in Limington, or at Gun Point in Harpswell. An avid fisherman and hunter, Eric also enjoyed camping, canoe trips, and cooking. His family always looked forward to Eric’s famous lobster stew at Christmas.

Eric is survived by his wife, Jean (Grace) Doughty, of Winthrop; his two sons, Jerry Doughty and wife, Sue, of Winthrop, and Dennis Doughty and wife, Debby, of Limington; his two daughters, Diane Wilson and husband, Steven, of Dayton, and Erica Merrill and husband, George, of Limington; his brother, John H. Doughty III, of Topsham; nine grandchildren, Nate Doughty and wife, Beth, Brian and Jennah Doughty, Victoria Wilson Russell and husband, Jason, Mitchell Wilson and wife, Heather, Benjamin Wilson and wife, Amber, Lacey Donle and her partner, Justin, Tristan Donle and his partner, Kaitlin, and Murphy Doughty; two step-grandchildren, Rebecca and Jacob Merrill; and great-grandson, Ashton Wilson.