NEW GLOUCESTER – Charles C. Hotham Jr., 66, of Town Farm Road, died at home Tuesday, May 30, after a long illness. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by family and friends.

He was born on Dec. 31, 1939, in Bowdoin, the son of Charles C. Hotham Sr. and Iver (Paige) Hotham. He was raised and lived most of his life in New Gloucester.

As a young man, he was employed at Thompson’s Orchard of New Gloucester, and also at Nissen’s Bakery of Portland. In 1969, he began his own business, working as a mason contractor. For the next 30 years, he found success in his trade, becoming well-known for his quality work and attention to detail.

Although he had never had any experience with airplanes, he was always fascinated with flight. With a little encouragement from his wife and a gift certificate for flying lessons, he took off (literally). In 1989, he received his private pilot’s license and aviation became a significant part of his life. With his youngest son, Charles III, he shared his love of flight, and together they built three separate airplanes.

Other hobbies he enjoyed included metal fabrication, woodworking, and painting.

In addition, he and his wife, Sandra, traveled extensively throughout the United States. They also visited Canada, Brazil, England, France, Switzerland and Italy.

Surviving are his wife, Sandra A. Hartford Hotham of New Gloucester; four sons, Donald and his wife, Rebecca, of Seattle, Wash., Scott and his wife, Dawn, of Poland, Michael and his wife, Kristie, of New Gloucester and Charles III and his wife, Shannon, of New Gloucester; two daughters, Tammy Rodrigue and her husband, Robbie, of Gray and Christy Hotham of Poland; one brother, Floyd Hotham of New Gloucester; one sister, Mary Ray of Minot; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Kendall and William; two sisters, Evelyn and Harriet; and two grandchildren, Joshua and Brittany.