1928 – 2014

NORWAY — Donald C. Briggs, 85, of Oxford passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, March 16, following a long illness.

He was born in Chicago, Ill., on June 7, 1928, the youngest son of Clyde Sanford and Willa Crudup Briggs. He moved to Maine in 1940 and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1946. He attended the University of Maine and was self-taught and self-employed as a master craftsman, building many homes and custom furniture in the Oxford Hills region.

Don married his lifelong love and partner, Reta Lamb of Otisfield, on May 24, 1953, at Oxford Congregational Church. In addition to his carpentry business, Don and Reta operated Lone Oak Farm and Cottages on Thompson Lake, where they enjoyed many caring friendships over the years. In 1989, they moved into their new home — which they built together — on Briggs Island, Thompson Lake.

Don was active in community affairs, including scoutmaster and starting the Oxford Boy Scout troop in the 1950s. He also was a former Sunday school superintendent for Oxford Congregational Church and was active on the Oxford Town Budget Committee, as well as serving as chairman and member of the SAD 17 School Board during the 1970s.

Don donated his time to making many specialized works of furniture and wrought ironworks for local churches and the Pine Tree Society for Crippled Children. He also loved to keep busy in his workshop, crafting many models and carvings. Don was an avid reader and a devoted family man, and shared his kind and engaging soul with all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 61 years, Reta; son, Kevin and wife, Cathy, of Bow, N.H.; son, Kerry and wife, Debbie, of North Berwick; son, Kris, of Portland; daughter, Karol Clark, of Newcastle; five grandchildren, Ashlynde and Scott Briggs, Justin and Kelsey Briggs and Natalia Clark; sister-in-law, Ruth Watson; sister-in-law, Madeline Robinson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; in-laws, Chester and Ola Lamb of Otisfield; older brother, Roger Briggs, of San Diego, Calif.; and brothers-in-law, Richard Watson and Gerald Robinson.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.

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