Harry S. Stephenson, 100, of Cape Elizabeth, passed away at his home on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014, surrounded by his family.
Mr. Stephenson was born in Derby, Vt., on Nov. 8, 1913, the son of Joseph and Alice (Errington) Stephenson. His family moved to Gorham, N.H., when he was two.Harry worked for many summer’s for Joe Dodge at the Appalachian Mountain Club, Pinkham Notch, N.H., helping build the Appalachian Trail Hut System. He later worked with the Hannes Schneider Ski School, where he became one of the first certified ski instructors of the Eastern Amateur Ski Association. He was a ski instructor from 1936-1970 in North Conway, N.H., and Jackson, N.H. He met his future wife Marie Heldon during this time.
Harry was drafted into the Army in 1941 and rose to the rank of staff sergeant. He was assigned to an anti-aircraft division stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., and Vallejo, Calif. He later was stationed in Hawaii after the attack of Pearl Harbor.
Harry married Marie Heldon on Sept. 27, 1952. They lived in Gorham, N.H., and then Shelburne, N.H., where they raised five children. Mr. Stephenson worked as a welder for the Portland Pipeline Corporation, and moved with his family to Cape Elizabeth in 1970 where he continued to work for Portland Pipeline.
Harry would spend many enjoyable summers with family and friends at their cottage in Five Islands. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and playing cards and socializing with his friends, family and neighbors and was particularly adept at playing cribbage. He also was an avid gardener and woodworker, making Adirondack lawn chairs for both adults and children. After retiring from Portland Pipeline, Mr. Stephenson and his wife spent many winters in Florida, most recently in Edgewater. He and Marie would return to Maine in the summer and divide their time between Cape Elizabeth and Five Islands.
Mr. Stephenson was a life member of the American Legion in Gorham, N.H., and the VFW in South Portland. He was also a member of Gorham-Sabatis Freemason’s Lodge No. 73.
Harry was predeceased by his daughter, Catherine (Stephenson) Fernald; four sisters, Alice Vigue, Rose Campbell, Elise Finnen and Violet Toth, and three brothers, Edward ‘Ted,’ Earl and Leslie. Harry is survived by his wife, Marie; sons Bruce, Carl and his wife Dianne, all of Cape Elizabeth, Craig of Harrison, and Brad of Oxford; four grandchildren, Craig Jr., Erin Pride, Chelsea and Brian; one great-grandchild, Riley; and many nieces and nephews.
Harry was predeceased by his daughter, Catherine (Stephenson) Fernald; four sisters, Alice Vigue, Rose Campbell, Elise Finnen and Violet Toth, and three brothers, Edward ‘Ted,’ Earl and Leslie. Harry is survived by his wife, Marie; sons Bruce, Carl and his wife Dianne, all of Cape Elizabeth, Craig of Harrison, and Brad of Oxford; four grandchildren, Craig Jr., Erin Pride, Chelsea and Brian; one great-grandchild, Riley; and many nieces and nephews.
There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at the Lary Cemetery in Gorham, N.H. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bryant Funeral Homes, Berlin and Gorham, N.H.