Harry I. Strout

BRYANT POND – It is with sorrow-filled hearts, laden heavy with loving memories, that we announce the passing of our Dad and friend, Harry “Rusty” Strout. He fought the good fight against pancreatic cancer, but in the end, the farm lured him home again on June 15, 2022. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Dad has resided in the Woodstock area his entire life, having attended Perkins Elementary School in South Woodstock, followed by Woodstock High School in the village of Bryant Pond. He went on to Gorham State College, graduating in 1969. He taught Industrial Arts at Telstar High School for many years, later moving onto forestry with Chad Bournes. He was also a master carpenter/finish carpenter, and mechanic extraordinaire. There was very little this man could not do … given enough time, he would have mastered those things too!Rusty has lived in the same home that he and his son, Marty, built together well over 40 years ago. Dad has always taken great pride in his home and property, and that dedication and hard work certainly left no doubts that he adored his home and respected the history of the land. Dad has a lifelong love of all things “outdoors.” He leaves behind a hunting and fishing legacy that shall remain very difficult to duplicate. There were very few hunting seasons that left Dad without a buck in the freezer; those few seasons were mere flukes, I assure you! Lake trout and smelts alike trembled at Dad’s arrival on the water. As I recall, partridge weren’t too fond of seeing him come their way either, but boy did we eat well! Dad has certainly joined the ranks of the other legendary sportsmen who called this area home. As you read this now, be assured he is being welcomed by those legends in the Great Beyond, and that they are regaling each other with their greatest hunting and fishing stories.Hunting and fishing aside, his greatest pride and source of deepest affections has always been with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dad leaves behind his son Marty, sadly whereabouts unknown; his daughter, Laura, now residing in New Hampshire; and his youngest son, Peter, who now resides in Oxford with wife, Crystal. Dad shared many a happy memory of playing catch in the backyard when his boy, Pete, was just a little “Kyfer.” Peter is the absolute apple of his Dad’s eye, and the feeling is mutual. Dad was an amazing father and a shining example of how to truly walk in the light. He taught us that being a just and honest person not only applies within the company of others, but also within oneself. He will be one of the toughest acts to follow. Thankfully, those of us lucky enough to find his path will discover an easy walk, with markers clearly laid out, and a view at the end that’s hard to beat.Rusty was born on Dec. 11, 1944, to Hazel and William Strout. Along with his parents, he is reunited with brothers Delma, Eddie, and Roger; and sisters, Francis and Mina. He will also be catching up with his best friend, Richard Felt, and a beloved family friend, Elwin Rich. I can almost smell Grammie’s cinnamon rolls and hear all their laughter as they sit around the farmhouse kitchen table, exchanging stories.Along with his children, Rusty also leaves behind his beloved sister, Patricia Howe; special nephew and friend, Jackie McMillan; longtime wonderful friend, Sharon Silver; nephews Delma, Jimmy, Michael, and Eddie; nieces, Pam and Anita; and many many more special people just up the road and beyond.He will forever be missed by his adoring grandchildren Sierra, Christa, Elijah, Asher, and Elias. He also has a solid fanbase in his great-grandchildren, Willow and Luna. As long as those of us who loved him are alive, so shall he live. Thank you, kind sir, for being in our lives!Our families want to impart our sincerest appreciation to all the staff at New England Cancer Center in Scarborough, a huge hug and shout out to the nurses and aides at Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice, and a hearty handshake to all Dad’s friends and neighbors who just stopped by to talk. You guided us through the darkest hours with compassion, understanding, and much needed bursts of laughter. You are angels walking the earth, and all you did does not go unnoticed! From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU.Private graveside services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Cliff Gray Cremation and Funeral Services, 60 Andrews Road, Bryant Pond, Maine.

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