BRUNSWICK – Former Sen. R. Donald Twitchell, 78, of Freeport, died on Wednesday, Jan. 30, with his devoted family by his side.

He was born on Nov. 5, 1929, in Norway, the son of Percy and Marguerite (Marquis) Twitchell. He graduated from Norway High School and Burdette College, in Boston, Mass., with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

He faithfully served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He returned to Norway to own several businesses on Main Street for more than 25 years after having been a buyer for the A&P Tea Co. in Portland.

He was a town manager of Norway for a time before proudly serving 20 years in the Maine Legislature, representing Oxford County in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate. During his time in the Legislature, Don served as chairman of the joint Standing Committees of Agriculture, State and Local Government, Transportation and Taxation.

He was a cooperator of Norway Savings Bank, Stephens Memorial Hospital and Bridgton Memorial Hospital. He belonged to Knights of Pythias, American Legion, Oxford Grange, was a former director of the Norway-Paris Kiwanis Club, a 32nd Degree Mason, and Shriner’s Kora Temple.

He was nominated for the Jefferson Award for extraordinary public service, and twice awarded by the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce for outstanding community service.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, the former Florence Pike Twitchell of Freeport; daughter, Julie Kish and her husband, Lloyd, and granddaughter, Jen, of Brunswick; a son, Jeffrey Twitchell, and his wife, Mayela, of Tarpon Springs, Fla.; a daughter, June Cheever and her husband, David, of Augusta, and their children and grandchildren; a brother, Norman Twitchell of Connecticut; and a sister, Connie Boschert of Fryeburg. He was happiest spending time with his family and loved his grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Parkview Hospital, Midcoast Senior Health Center-the Bodwell Unit, and CHANS Hospice for their care and compassion.

Copy the Story Link