LEWISTON — Bruce H. Karcher, 71, of Lewiston, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, at Russell Park Manor, with his eldest son at his side.

He was born May 17, 1939, in Portland, the son of Herbert and Mary Karcher. He was a 1957 graduate of Deering High School. While at Deering High School he played the sousaphone and was a member of the ski club and tennis team, where he was a state finalist in doubles tennis. He attended Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., where he was a Zeta Psi fraternity member. Bruce spent several years in the Air Force, where he started his correspondence with his future wife, Doreen Gabbert. They were married on June 27, 1964, for 27 years.

After the military, Bruce received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at the University of Southern Maine and taught U.S. history, psychology and Maine studies at the Gray-New Gloucester High School for 16 years. Bruce was well liked by his students. He also enjoyed coaching high school and senior league baseball.

You did not need to know Bruce well to know about his love for sports, especially the Boston teams – Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots and Celtics. He rarely missed watching, listening or going to the games and was able to listen to a Red Sox spring-training game with his daughter just days before he passed. His children have very fond memories of him taking them to the games during their youth.

Bruce spent most of his life at Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester. He loved being at the lake where he spent time boating, water-skiing and swimming. He also enjoyed reading, going to stock car races and traveling. Bruce was a man with a gentle soul, but a lot of spirit. He will be truly missed by his family.

He was predeceased by his newborn daughter; brother, Alan; and parents. Survived by his former wife, Doreen Merrill of Jay, Fla.; brother, Richard W. Karcher of Wayne, Pa.; daughters, Karen Beers and husband Joseph of Poulsbo, Wash., and Robin Sell and husband Steve of Lebanon, N.J.; sons, Robert Karcher and wife Kristy of Leeds, and Kenneth Karcher of Sacramento, Calif.; and nine grandchildren.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Bruce’s family by visiting their guest book at http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/karcherbruce/homepage.aspx.