Colwyn F. Haskell

BETHEL — Colwyn F. Haskell, 78, of Paradise Hill, Bethel died on March 1, 2011 at the Hospice House in Auburn. He was born on May 20, 1932, the son of Claude and Josephine Haskell. He graduated from Norway High School as the Valedictorian of the Class of 1950, married his beloved high school sweetheart, Judith Esther Klain, and attended the University of Maine, where he earned his Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. During his college years he was a member of Phi Eta Kappa, and he captained the cross country, and the indoor and outdoor track teams. He was a lifelong supporter of both the academic and athletic efforts of the University. After graduating from the University, he took employment with Oxford Paper Company in Rumford, where he worked until his retirement in 1991.

Mr. and Mrs. Haskell moved to Bethel in 1956, working hard to design and have built their house on Paradise Hill, where they raised their son James and daughter Kathryn. In 1974, they brought teen-aged Jeanie Manson into their home, so that she might finish high school in her hometown, thereby acquiring a third child: truly their “chosen” daughter.

Mr. Haskell was a proud 33rd Degree Mason, serving over 50 years in many leadership positions: in Blue Lodge Bethel #97, Oxford Chapter #29, Oxford Council #14, District and Grand Chapter of Maine; Commandery, Red Cross of Constantine, and Scottish Rite.

He was an avid downhill skier all his life, serving on the Ski Patrol at Sunday River, where he was rightly famous for his fast and fearless runs down the mountain. He taught his children to ski and proudly watched his son James win races on high school courses around the state. When the time came, he funded his grandchildren's skiing at Sunday River as well. He dearly loved a succession of four foolish English Springer Spaniels over the years on Paradise Hill, spoiling them rotten and enjoying their antics around the house and yard that he so carefully maintained.

Mr. Haskell faced the greatest challenge of his life when he suddenly lost his wife Judith in December 2005. He made his family proud by the way he bore this loss, leaving them all with an example of courage, duty, and good “Maine grit” that they will take with them through the years. They are grateful for the constant support of his Masonic brotherhood; for the fond and watchful eyes of friends and fellow-skiers Murray and Barbara Gross; and to all the good neighbors of Bethel who – in the best tradition of small-town life – made sure his days included the touch of their friendship and concern.

He will live always in the hearts of his son, James A. Haskell, and his wife Jane and their family; daughter, Kathryn H. Davis, and her husband Michael; his grandchildren Alexander H. Davis and his wife Meg, Nora Davis and Owen Davis; daughter, Jean M. Waite and her husband Greg and his sister-in-law, Joyce Wilson and her husband George of Bloomington, IN and Norway Lake, and their family.

There will be no public funeral services. Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Colwyn F. Haskell to the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME or to a Masonic charity of their choice.

At Mr. Haskell's request his family will join his ashes with those of his beloved Judy, at their stone in Lakeview Cemetery, in the summer. They will share some of his favorite strawberry-rhubarb pie, and think of them picnicking in that field above Little Pennesseewassee when they were young and so in love.