Francis W. Chase ’62

BRUNSWICK, ME –Francis Wayne Chase, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Midcoast Hospital on January 22, 2015 following a short illness.  He was born on March 20, 1941 in Waterville, Maine the son of Carroll B. Chase and Evelyn (Bowman) Chase, and grew up on Edgemont Avenue.

After attending Waterville High School he graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1962 and turned his longing for adventure into a life as Merchant Marine who crisscrossed the planet many times over and in the day had a story for every port.  He was a brilliant man and was an officer and navigator on many ships sailing the oceans of the world.  At Maine Maritime he was Cadet Captain, a member of both the radio club and shore patrol, and president of the Propeller Club. After retiring from sea, he owned Lake Parlin Lodges in the Jackman area and was a Maine Guide for hunting and fishing…truly the original LL Bean man.  After moving back to Waterville to raise his family he worked for companies such as Hathaway, Fox & Ginn, Coles Express, and through retirement at Yellow Freight doing terminal management.  He was well loved by those who worked for him.

After settling down with Sandra Simon, there were three children to keep him busy and he was the type of Dad to come home after work and still have energy to play catch or help with homework.  He coached baseball teams in the Waterville area and both his sons were recognized as exceptional players.  Many a summer day was spent playing pick-up games with all the neighborhood kids with Fran gathering the other dads.  No matter the project or task Fran put his heart into everything he did.

He had many hobbies through the years including photography, fly-fishing, canoeing, wood-working, sports, chess, reading, history and passed along many of his interests to his three children.  Fran was an avid HAM radio operator since childhood and went by call letters K1BBJ and had contacted over 200 countries.  He was a Freemason, like his father before him.  Always very independent and inquisitive, he was computer savvy and looking for a new technical challenge at all times.  He was a good & kind man always willing to help anybody.

He is survived by his wife Sandra Chase, of Waterville and three beloved children:  Kimberly (Chase) Burns & her husband Ed of South Portland; Dan Chase & his wife Kelly of Brunswick; and Mark Chase & wife Lynne of Newmarket, NH. He is also survived by a sister, Patricia Morse & her husband Bob of Grafton, MA. Fran’s greatest pleasure in his later years was spending time with his grandchildren:  Olivia, Tori, Will, Ryan and Kendra.  He also leaves many cherished nieces and nephews.  Fran was an animal lover and enjoyed caring for a special furry friend, Baxter, who provided endless love and comfort.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, January 28^th at the Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick, Maine.  Memories and condolences can be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers please make a memorial contribution to the Waterville Humane Society, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901