AUBURN — Harold A. Andrews, 89, of Auburn, formerly of Poland, passed away as he lived his life, peacefully and quietly on April 3.

In his own words: “He was born the oldest of 5 children to the late Alfred D. and Iona F. (Littlehale) Andrews at the family farm at North Paris, on June 9, 1922.

He is survived by his wife, the former Charmaine Rafuse of Rumford, whom he married on June 12, 1955; their three sons include, Paul of Springfield, Ill., David of Auburn and Mark of Wexford, Pa.; other survivors include brothers, Earl and his wife, Amy, of Oxford and Herbert of Baltimore, Md.; sister, Florence Whynot and husband, Merwyn, of Mexico; a brother-in-law, Robert Craig; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Lucile of Abington, Mass.

Following graduation from West Paris High School, Class of 1939, he worked on the family dairy, lumber, and crop farm until 1947, when he enrolled in the Leland Powers School of Theater and Radio in Boston to follow his ambition to become a radio announcer.

Following graduation in 1949, he worked in several radio stations in New England and became manager of a new station, WGHM in Skowhegan. Later, he returned to Boston to attend Mass Radio School for a First Class Radio-Telephone license. The family then moved to Poland, where they lived for 42 years, while he worked for the WMTW radio and television stations until his retirement in December 1991.

In September 1992, he trained as a part-time telephone order representative for LL Bean in Lewiston. He enjoyed helping customers make catalogue selections and made many friends among the employees. He recorded his last order on Dec. 23, 2009, at the age of 87.”

Always a hard worker, Harold enjoyed vegetable gardening and often gave excess to family, friends and the local food bank. The house and yard of the family home near Poland Corner was always immaculate. Reading non-fiction about life in rural Maine and watching local news casts were two favorite pastimes. He was a member of the North Paris Federated Church and an associate member of the Poland Community Church. He was a Grange member since 1937. He volunteered many hours to the Poland Spring Preservation Society.

Special appreciation to the doctors and staff of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, especially Judy Ramedia, Oralie O’Neal, and Deana Plourde; truly angels on this earth.

His beautiful voice, his many witticisms, and his kind heart will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Until we meet again.

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