BRUNSWICK, ME \u2013Francis Wayne Chase, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Midcoast Hospital on January 22, 2015 following a short illness.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 He was a brilliant man and was an officer and navigator on many ships sailing the oceans of the world. \u00a0At 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\u2026truly the original LL Bean man.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 He was well loved by those who worked for him.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 He coached baseball teams in the Waterville area and both his sons were recognized as exceptional players.\u00a0 Many a summer day was spent playing pick-up games with all the neighborhood kids with Fran gathering the other dads.\u00a0 No matter the project or task Fran put his heart into everything he did.<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0Fran was an avid HAM radio operator since childhood and went by call letters K1BBJ and had contacted over 200 countries.\u00a0 He was a Freemason, like his father before him. \u00a0Always very independent and inquisitive, he was computer savvy and looking for a new technical challenge at all times. \u00a0He was a good & kind man always willing to help anybody.<\/p>\n
He is survived by his wife Sandra Chase, of Waterville and three beloved children: \u00a0Kimberly (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\u2019s greatest pleasure in his later years was spending time with his grandchildren:\u00a0 Olivia, Tori, Will, Ryan and Kendra.\u00a0 He also leaves many cherished nieces and nephews.\u00a0 Fran was an animal lover and enjoyed caring for a special furry friend, Baxter, who provided endless love and comfort.<\/p>\n