PORTLAND – Melvin Earle Butterfield, 74, of New Sharon, passed away unexpectedly at Maine Medical Center in Portland on Dec. 10.

He was born in Chesterville on Aug. 15, 1931, the son of Merwyn L. and Effie (Day) Butterfield. He was educated in the schools of Chesterville.

In 1951, he married Averil Harris in New Sharon.

He worked as a young man at local sawmills such as Gordon’s and Lane’s. He then worked in construction as a mechanic, truck driver and equipment operator for Wendall Brann. He also plowed snow for the town of New Sharon and was a former member of the Farmington Falls Fire Department.

He enjoyed watching birds, hunting, fishing and, in later years, he enjoyed woodworking.

He his survived by his wife, Averil; four daughters, Dianne Currier of Chesterville, Dawn Harrison and husband, Ed, of New Sharon, Denise Webber and husband, Greg, of New Sharon, and Dennette House and husband, Mike, of Turner; one son, David Butterfield and wife, Barbara, of California; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Minnie McCormick and Margaret Everett; and one brother, Bert Butterfield.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Dalynn; a grandson, Zachary House; a son-in-law, Richard; four sisters; and three brothers.