1936 – 2013

LEWISTON — Charles B. Houghton Sr., 76, of Carthage, passed away on Monday, Aug. 26, with family by his bedside at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

Charlie was born in Carthage on Nov. 17, 1936, to Leo and Thelma Houghton. He entered the Army National Guard in 1959, and studied heavy equipment machinery with the 6th Armored Calvary at Fort Dix, N.J. Post military service, he returned to Maine and married Frances Hutchinson in 1963.

Charlie worked as a logger for most of his life, including 30 years with Timberlands Inc., in Dixfield. In 1984, he put his chainsaw down and began working as an equipment operator, building logging roads and landings throughout Maine.

For many years in the 1970s, he raced at Oxford Plains Speedway where he enjoyed success and fan support.

He was an avid sportsman, with a love of hunting and a great respect for nature. He shared this passion with his family and friends until his final days.

Charlie was a special man who endeavored to do everything right, because everything has a right way to be done. This was evident in his drawing, writing, throwing of a curve ball or knuckle ball, hunting deer and coyotes, driving his race car, playing his guitar and singing in his band, inventing devices to assist his work, fixing machines and cutting or welding steel. If he could see it and study it, he could fix it, play it, drive it and even build it.

His many nieces, nephews and extended family knew his love and cherished his company.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Frances; his daughter, Melanie Harvey and husband, Bob, of Poland; daughter, Melinda Quirion and husband, Spencer, of Toano, Va.; son, Charles Jr. and wife, Amanda, of Carthage; son, Linwood and wife, Jill, of Gorham; Clifton and wife, Lori, of Carthage; grandchildren, Leya and Ragyn Harvey, Mathew Pagurko, Macy Pagurko and Myles Quirion, Charles Houghton III, Ivy and Nolan Houghton, Cole and Cady Houghton, Cody and Mackenzie Houghton; and his pet dog, Mae, and cats, Noah and Lily.

He is predeceased by his brothers, Leroy, Conrid and Kermit; and sisters, Corless, Kemeritis and Arletta Clark.

Condolences and tributes may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.