Obituary of Nolan C. Gibbs

MONROE--Nolan C. Gibbs, 90, of Monroe, died peacefully in Belfast on February 11, 2014, following several weeks of declining health. Nolan was born in Monroe on May 14, 1923, the son of John and Isabel (Clements) Gibbs. He was raised on the family farm, attended local schools, and graduated from Morse Memorial High School in Brooks in 1942. Nolan saw service as an enlisted man with the US Armyʼs Sixth Armored Division in France and Germany during WWII from 1944-1946, earning several medals, including the Bronze Star and three Battle Stars (Ardennes, Central Europe, and Rhineland). Upon his return home, Nolan married Shirley Eastman of Monroe and they made their home on the Curtis Road, a short distance from Springdale Farm where Shirley had been raised, and where together they raised a family of their own. Nolan worked at road and bridge construction jobs, at Clements Hatchery in Winterport, as an installer for Sears, as head of maintenance for M.S.A.D. 3, and as a self-employed electrician and oil burner technician. He held a master electricianʼs license and was proficient in a wide variety of skilled trades. He had a reputation for being able to fix nearly anything of a mechanical or electronic nature. He was a licensed ham radio operator (K1ALX), and a lifetime member of the Maine Antique Power Association. Nolan belonged to American Legion Post 0138 in Winterport, and was a lifetime member of VFW Post 4366 in Hampden and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Monroe. Nolan was a dedicated volunteer for the Cole Museum in Bangor, an accomplished gardener, a self-taught musician and took much enjoyment from hunting, fishing and simply being active in the out-of-doors. He fancied himself to be a cook. Nolan and Shirley once made a grand tour of Alaska, driving the entire round trip and camping out along the way. They enjoyed numerous excursions to the Jackman area. In recent years, Nolan made two return visits to Germany where he was able to reconnect with many of the people he had met there during his tour of duty. He was predeceased by his parents, a daughter, Bryana Gibbs, his wife, Shirley (Eastman) Gibbs, and a brother, Frank Gibbs. He is survived by two daughters, Joanna Curtis and her husband Steven of Belfast; Deborah Huff and her husband Bernie of Monroe; a son, David Gibbs and his wife Becky of Camden; one sister, Leona Dyer of Florida; three brothers, Derol Gibbs of Monroe, Neil Gibbs and his wife Billie of California; and Allison Gibbs of Camden; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Army and her husband Bruce of New Hampshire; Matt Curtis and his wife Kati Ann of Unity; Travis Huff and his wife Amanda of Waldo; Trevor Huff of Monroe; Mike Gibbs of Camden; Tammy Osgood and her husband Richard of Lincolnville; and April Gibbs of Cushing; 17 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. Nolan will also be greatly missed by his close friend and cribbage buddy, Dale Hazelwood of Hampden. Interment will be at Pilgrimʼs Home Cemetery, Monroe, in the spring, at which time a memorial service and time for remembrance will be held. Nolanʼs family expresses their thanks to the staffs of Harbor Hill Center, Waldo County General Hospital and Dr. Matthew Molisonʼs office for the attentive care provided to Nolan, and their thoughtful support. Persons wishing to make donations in Nolanʼs memory are encouraged to select their own favorite charity, or to simply do a good deed for someone, while remembering Nolanʼs willingness to always help out a person in need.