Obituary of Edwin Merrill Libby

Edwin Merrill Libby, 78, of Winthrop, died peacefully on Friday, September 9, 2011, at St. Joseph's Manor in Portland with family at his side. He was born on September 21, 1932 to Merrill and Katherine Austin Libby in Augusta, Maine. Edwin was a passionate, life-long learner. He graduated from Winthrop High School in 1950, Brunswick Georgia Junior College and the University of Southern Maine with a B.S. in Industrial Technology while in his 40s. He challenged his children to think for themselves and loved to read in the German language. Ed served in the Navy for over 14 years and was honorably discharged. He taught electronics at Washington County Technical College for over 20 years, retiring in 1992. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 47 ½ years, Edith Lillian Richards Libby in 2002. He is survived by his brother Stephen and his wife Sharon of Bowling Green, OH and six children: Kara Cross and her husband Stephen of North Berwick, Jon Libby of Salem, OR, Gus Libby and his wife Beth of Oakland, Robert Libby and his wife Theresa of South Portland, Kathryn Dixon and her husband Anthony of Oakland, FL, and PJ Libby and her wife Samantha of Lancaster, MA along with eleven wonderful grandchildren. Ed enjoyed gardening and grew beautiful gladiolas that he sold to florists and donated to nursing homes. While his family was young he grew vegetables and fruits along with raising cows, pigs, chickens and rabbits. His household always included dogs and cats along with an occasional goat or pony and a great amount of love. The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at St. Joseph's Manor for their kind and patient care during Ed's last year. The staff played to his dry sense of humor and accommodated his love of quiet morning coffee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Maine Hospice Council or the National Parkinson Foundation or a charity of your choice. A private memorial service will be held in the future and arrangements are in the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, Belfast.